SANTO ANDRE (Brazil): Germany’s coaching staff fended off criticism of Mesut Ozil and said they are more than satisfied with the way he has adapted to his new role in the team.
The 25-year-old previously played at the heart of Germany’s high-scoring 4-2-3-1 system, catching the eye with some brilliant goals and delightful passing.
However, after bitter semifinal defeats at the 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012, coach Joachim Loew has adopted a more defensive outlook and moved Ozil wide in a 4-3-3 lineup.
Loew’s assistant coach Hansi Flick rejected suggestions Ozil had been a flop at the World Cup when asked about his role at a news conference on Sunday.
“Mesut is playing a different position now than he used to and he’s got a different assignment now. He’s got very strong skills with the ball and on top of that he’s improved during the course of the tournament,” he said.
Ozil’s creativity has sometimes been stifled during some of the more physical matches in Brazil but he showed he can flourish under pressure by scoring in Germany’s 2-1 extra-time win over Algeria and helping keep his team on track with solid ball control. (Reuters)
