Wenger's praise 'a privilege', says Ozil

Arsene Wenger was effusive in his praise of Mesut Ozil
last weekend and the Arsenal star admits it is "a
privilege" to hear.

Arsenal playmaker Mesut Ozil admits it is "a privilege" to hear
words of praise from manager Arsene Wenger.

Wenger stated "if you love football, you love Ozil" after his
performance in the 2-1 Premier League victory over Everton at
the Emirates Stadium last Saturday.

With Arsenal having won four of their last five matches in all
competitions, Ozil is proud of the way the team is performing
and is enjoying the trust of the manager.

"He knows about football! No, I joke," he told Arsenal Player
when asked what he thought of Wenger's comments.

"It's a privilege for me, especially when such an experienced
manager says something like that about me.

"I'm here to develop myself further and I've said in the past that
I have the manager's trust and enjoy that.

"My goal is to help the team and I'm on a good way. I'm proud
of myself and of the whole team.

"We've played a successful season up to this and now we need
to work on ourselves to make sure that we become more
successful."

Ozil believes a full pre-season has helped him to hit more
consistent form this season for the Gunners.

"The coaching staff know exactly how individual players
become fit," he said. "They have all the information and I think a
first full pre-season in a long time has helped me to feel really
fit.

"Before, I was playing at tournaments after a long season and
had little time for holidays.

"In hindsight, you realise that your body may not have the same
freshness. At the moment I feel very comfortable, I'm fit and
that's what is important."

Arsenal will look to respond to their shock 3-0 League Cup upset
away to Sheffield Wednesday on Tuesday when they visit
Swansea City in the Premier League on Saturday.