Arteta was unveiled as the north London side’s new boss on Friday, putting pen-to-paper on a three-and-a-half year deal after leaving his role as Pep Guardiola’s no.2 at Manchester City.
Ozil’s career has been on the downward trajectory for some time, falling well out of favour under previous boss Unai Emery, but Arteta has offered his former teammate a lifeline – insisting it’s his responsibility to get the best out of the experienced playmaker.
“He’s a massive player for this football club. What I want is I want to understand how they’re feeling and what they need,” Arteta explained.
“You have to understand them because sometimes with conversations you get to understand a point.
“When you understand them I can take the excuses out of them and focus on the things that are relevant and have an impact for the team on the pitch and off the pitch.
“Of course he’s a massive player. I worked with him and I know when he ticks what he can bring to the team. My job is to get the best out of him, of course.”