BSP-19 Neuer denies Ozil’s claims of racism within Germany set-up

548

ZCZC

BSP-19

FBL-GER-NEUER-OZIL

Neuer denies Ozil’s claims of racism within Germany set-up

BERLIN, Aug 3, 2018 (BSS/AFP) – Germany captain Manuel Neuer has denied
that Mesut Ozil was the victim of racism within the German FA (DFB), but
admitted the fiasco has taken a toll on the players.

Ozil quit international football last month amid the furore over his
meeting and photo opportunity in May with Turkish president Recep Tayyip
Erdogan, which raised questions about Ozil’s loyalty to Germany.

Having been booed by German fans in pre-World Cup friendlies, Ozil quit
the national team following Germany’s shock early exit from the finals in
Russia and with his parting shot he accused DFB president Reinhard Grindel of
racism.

However, Bayern Munich star Neuer denies any claims of racism within the
national team.

“We’ve always tried to integrate all the players and we’ve also done
everything for our teammates to make them feel good going into games,” said
Neuer at Bayern’s pre-season training camp in southern Bavaria.

The world-class goalkeeper admitted Ozil’s comments have taken a toll on
those who still play for Germany.

“There has been a lot of back and forth with much written and said about
it. Of course, it was very stressful for those who read about it,” added
Neuer.

Only a few Germany stars have spoken out about the scandal and head coach
Joachim Loew has yet to comment.

After 23 goals and 40 assists in 92 internationals for Germany, Ozil, who
was born in Gelsenkirchen to Turkish parents, quit the national team in an
explosive three-part statement a fortnight ago.

“In the eyes of Grindel and his supporters, I am German when we win, but I
am an immigrant when we lose,” wrote the Arsenal midfielder, whose comments
sparked a racism storm in Germany and triggered fierce debate about
integration.

Ozil was singled out by some corners of the German media as a reason for
Germany’s poor World Cup performances, but Grindel, who has refused calls to
resign, later refuted his claims of racism within the DFB.

– ‘Need for change’ –

Neuer said he understood Ozil’s reasons to quit, “it is the decision of
each player. You have to look for the reasons for yourself and, in his case,
he found them.

“Of course we accept this decision.”

Following the Ozil furore and Germany’s woeful World Cup displays in the
group stages, Neuer has called for a fresh start, especially for their next
game against new world champions France in Munich on September 6.

“It is the task of those in charge at the DFB to re-structure the team and
to give it a new face,” said Neuer with Loew already promising an over-haul
of the national squad.

“We need to have new players, who are really proud to play for the
national team and want to give everything to play for their country.

“I think that there is a lot going on within the national team and the
DFB.

“We will have to wait and see how things shape up.

“The fact is that some things need to be changed.

“We also have big goals in the national team and of course we want to show
a different face again.”

BSS/AFP/BZC/1855HRS