Oezil hails Mourinho influence

Real Madrid midfielder Mesut Oezil has revealed he now considers club manager Jose Mourinho a father figure in his footballing career.

Speaking in an interview with NTVSpor on Sunday, the 23-year-old professed that he looks up to the former Chelsea and Inter boss with much fondness.

“Mourinho is (like) a father to me,” Oezil said. “He is a great teacher, a strong character and a caring coach to all of his players.”

A third generation Turkish-German born in Gelsenkirchen, Oezil’s decision to pledge his international allegiance to Germany angered many Turkish supporters.

Ozil also confessed he had not been comfortable facing Turkey in the group stage of Euro 2012 qualifying, and that he wished the country of his descent had joined Germany in the finals in Poland and the Ukraine.

“I didn’t want a match in Euro 2012 qualification with Turkey,” he said. “My wish was both teams featuring in the Euro 2012 finals.”

The former Werder Bremen attacking midfielder returned his focus to club football, and does not believe the defeat to Barcelona on December 10 – the first Clasico of the season – will undermine Real’s search for trophies.

“I want to win trophies with both Germany and Real Madrid in 2012,” Oezil said.

“(The) bad result against Barcelona came as a result of bad luck, but we are leaders in La Liga now, and we are three points clear.”