After Arsenal's latest defeat at the hands of Crystal Palace, the Gunners are looking increasingly likely to miss out on a top four spot in the Premier League. In Arsene Wenger's 21 years at the club, the long-serving Arsenal boss has always managed to lead his team to the prestigious Champions League competition. Furthermore, the Gunners have consistently finished above their bitter North London rivals, Tottenham Hotspur, under Wenger's management. However, as a result of the team's poor performance in the last couple of months, a majority of Arsenal fans have now turned on their players, and Wenger, whose future at the club remains an uncertainty, is also under tremendous pressure.
Amid all this turmoil, Mesut Özil has now urged his teammates to focus on finishing the season strongly.
Arsenal still have FA Cup and top four spot to play for, says Özil
Even though the Gunners have spent nearly £90 million on new players last summer, Arsenal have had a season to forget. While Wenger claimed a few months ago that the current Arsenal team is his strongest since the Invincibles, the likes of Granit Xhaka and Shkrodan Mustafi have been rather disappointing so far. Former Chelsea striker Tony Cascarino even went as far as saying that Xhaka may be "the worst signing of all-time." Arsenal's record signing Mesut Özil has also been criticised for his tendency to disappear in big games, and he is often singled out by both fans and the media for his supposed lack of determination.
Speaking to Sky Sports, the German international claimed that the Gunners are still very much determined to finish in the top four. "We've still got a lot to aim for this season, to try and finish in the top four and the FA Cup," said Özil. Arsenal will face off against Manchester City in the FA Cup semi-final on April 23.
Özil on his contract situation and Wenger's future
Özil also commented on his contract situation. Various reports have suggested that contract negotiations have been temporarily put on hold until the summer, and the German playmaker has now confirmed this in his interview with Sky Sports: "We'll talk in the summer and we'll clear things then but for the moment, all that's important is Arsenal and not me and not any other player - it's just the club." Alexis Sanchez is another contract rebel whose contract runs out at the end of next season.
The Chilean has had a magnificent season with the Gunners but, like Özil, has failed to sign an extension so far. Furthermore, the German playmaker briefly touched upon Wenger's future: "It's not just about the boss or the fans - it's about the whole club and playing for the whole club," said Özil. He later added: "As players, you can't pick your coach. You can't decide who manages the club."
