I did that in order for Mesut Özil to step up his game - Emery

ARSENAL boss Unai Emery has hinted that he needs to create friction in order to get players like Mesut Ozil to step up a level.

The Spaniard, 47, took over from Arsene Wenger in the summer and has tweaked the Gunners' style — most notably passing out from the back more.

Emery considers himself a psychological leader and has been trying to get inside the head of the German playmaker, 30.

The Gunners boss told Sky Sports: "At certain times you have to provoke friction with footballers.

"From that friction, you can get something more out of them, something from inside, a greater sense of ambition or maybe even a complaint — a complaint regarding the team can be positive.

"As a manager you have to be careful because that friction can break a relationship.

But I believe in always looking for more, both individually and collectively, with conversations which are comfortable but also with conversations which are less comfortable.

"In the end, the main thing with any footballer is that their qualities are used to benefit the team.

"As a manager you have to get the maximum out of that player and at the same time make sure that he fits with the rest of the team so that everyone is better."

Emery will need all his players on their best form for the visit of Chelsea on Saturday evening.

The clash will be crucial in the battle for the top four and Emery wants all his players pulling in the right direction.

Ozil is far and away the highest earner at the North London club, on wages of about £300,000 a week.

Emery added: "We know that we have to put pressure on the players, to push them. 

"So if a player is giving 70 per cent, he gives 80 per cent.

"Then if he is giving 80 per cent, he gives 90 per cent.

"There is always another step, another push. Psychology is an aspect which can help to find it."