Real Madrid legend Mesut Ozil recently shared his insights ahead of the upcoming El Clasico match, advising FC Barcelona to refrain from complaining about referees. Ozil, who achieved success with Real Madrid, winning various Spanish trophies including La Liga under Jose Mourinho, reflected on the significance of past Clasico encounters.
Recalling his time at Real Madrid, Ozil acknowledged the dominance of Barcelona during Pep Guardiola's era, considering it as one of the best in the club's history. He expressed his belief that the focus of global football has shifted towards other high-profile matches, such as those in the Premier League.
Ozil highlighted the intense rivalry between Mourinho and Guardiola, featuring iconic players like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, as the epitome of football. He noted that many fans still yearn for that era of football.
Regarding the upcoming clash between Real Madrid and Barcelona, Ozil identified Real Madrid as the favorites, attributing their success to a fantastic season despite initial doubts following Karim Benzema's departure. He praised the emergence of Jude Bellingham as a significant contributor to Real Madrid's goal-scoring prowess.
Ozil also commented on Barcelona's challenges, citing injuries and the need for self-reflection instead of focusing on referee decisions. He emphasized the importance of Barcelona addressing their own mistakes to improve their performance.
Reflecting on Bellingham's potential, Ozil lauded the young player's remarkable achievements in the first half of the season, suggesting that he could be a strong contender for the Ballon d'Or if he continues his impressive form and secures major titles.
