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BSP-11
FBL-EURO-2024-GER-OZIL
German FA boss rekindles war of words with Ozil
BERLIN, Sept 28, 2018 (BSS/AFP) – The president of the German Football
Association (DFB) on Friday rekindled his war of words with Mesut Ozil by
criticising the Arsenal midfielder for refusing to meet with Germany head
coach Joachim Loew this week.
“I think it’s not okay that every attempt at communication is being
rejected (by Ozil),” Reinhard Grindel told German broadcaster ZDF.
Ozil quit international duty in July after Germany’s disastrous World Cup
campaign, citing “disrespect and racism” within the DFB and he singled out
Grindel.
The DFB boss says in recent weeks Loew has “really tried” to communicate
with the midfielder “by telephone, by SMS and now by his visit to the Arsenal
training ground”.
“I’d like it that there would also be a conversation after someone has
issued very significant criticism in a statement,” Grindel added.
On Monday, Loew and Germany team director Oliver Bierhoff were turned away
from Arsenal’s training ground in London after seeking to speak to Ozil in a
pre-arranged meeting with the club’s Germany internationals.
The failed attempt came just before Thursday’s announcement by UEFA that
Germany will host the Euro 2024 finals, seeing off a rival bid by Turkey.
A clear-the-air meeting between Ozil and Loew, so close to the Euro 2024
decision, would have carried significant weight for Germany’s bid after the
Arsenal star’s strong accusations of racism, levelled at the DFB.
Ozil, who was born in Germany to Turkish parents, was the target of
xenophobic comments and singled out for criticism by angry German fans after
the World Cup.
Tensions are high between Ozil and Grindel since the Arsenal star
specifically attacked the DFB boss in a three-part statement when he retired
from international duty in July.
“In the eyes of Grindel and his supporters, I am German when we win, but I
am an immigrant when we lose,” wrote Ozil in his fiery statement.
Grindel later admitted he should have offered the player more support.
“Regarding the racist attacks, I could have taken a clearer position at
some points and stood by Mesut Ozil,” Grindel said in August.
“I should have been clear with my words. Such attacks are completely
unacceptable.
“I regret that he felt deserted by the DFB.”
At the celebration banquet on Thursday night after Germany were awarded
the Euro 2024 finals, Grindel resumed his appeals to Ozil.
“I would be very happy if he would try to speak to Joachim Loew and Oliver
Bierhoff, who were always very close to him,” said the DFB boss.
BSS/AFP/BZC/1812HRS