German playmaker Mesut Oezil has boldly set his sights on becoming the world’s best player.The midfielder, speaking to the press ahead of his nation’s Euro 2012 qualifier against Kazakhstan and a friendly match with Australia, said he is happy with his progress at Real Madrid under coach Jose Mourinho.
“My goal is to become one of the best players in the world,” Oezil said on Wednesday. “For that I am doing everything and working hard. (And) I think I’m on the right track.”
Oezil, who is of Turkish heritage, expressed his delight over Germany coach Joachim Loew’s two-year contract extension with the national team.
“The team is delighted, as am I, of course. (Loew) has built me up and given me his confidence. I have a lot to thank him for,” he said.
The former Werder Bremen star, who emerged as one of the brightest sparks from the FIFA World Cup in South Africa last year, is relishing the next clash with bitter rivals Barcelona in La Liga.
“I’m here to be successful and to win titles. Against Barcelona it will be difficult, because this is a very good team. But I am convinced that we can beat Barcelona,” he said.
Germany team manager Oliver Bierhoff, meanwhile, said he was eager for his team to qualify for Euro 2012 as soon as possible.
The team, who currently sit top of Group A with 12 points, are in a comfortable position to qualify for the tournament to be staged in Poland and Ukraine.
Speaking ahead of the qualifier against Kazakhstan, former AC Milan striker Bierhoff said the Germans are expecting nothing less than a positive result against their less-fancied opponents.
“We are pleased that there is finally another competitive game upon us and of course want to win,” Bierhoff said.
“The opponents are certainly not the biggest of names and therefore we are, as favourites, counting on three points.”
Germany, who won the corresponding fixture in Astana 3-0, courtesy of goals from Miroslav Klose, Mario Gomez and Lukas Podolski, are focused on booking their ticket to the continental championship.
“We want to book our place at Euro 2012 as quickly as possible,” Bierhoff said.