Olivier Giroud insists he is ‘concentrated’ on making an impact for Chelsea after scoring the winner against Rennes in the Champions League on Tuesday evening.
Callum Hudson-Odoi had put Frank Lampard’s side in front in the first half but Serhou Guirassy’s late equaliser appeared to rescue a draw for Rennes.
However, Giroud’s excellent header in injury time sealed Chelsea’s 2-1 victory and a place in the Champions League knockout phase with two group games remaining.
During the international break, Giroud was advised by France boss Didier Deschamps to leave Chelsea in order to secure more playing time ahead of their European Championship campaign next summer.
But the 34-year-old says his only focus is to make an impact for Chelsea.
‘We must continue this good run, we won tonight, even if it was with difficulty,’ Giroud told RMC Sport.
‘Obviously for an attacker when the coach brings you on you have to bring something, now I am staying concentrated on what I have to do.
‘When he calls on me, I do the job, nothing more.’
Lampard, meanwhile, says he has ‘selection issues’ with Giroud, Timo Werner and Tammy Abraham all capable of spearheading Chelsea’s attack.
‘That was great from him,’ said Lampard.
‘Not only that but his hold-up play when he came on, his physicality.
‘I have selection issues because I have Tammy [Abraham] who is playing well, and Oli who always contributes in that way with that professionalism and was incredible in the restart. It’s a good problem.
‘Oli will get his minutes, he will start matches because we have a busy schedule.
‘You saw such a reaction around the goal not only because it was a last-minute winner but because it was Oli, who acts like he does every day. It shows what he means to this team.’
Follow Metro Sport across our social channels, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
For more stories like this, check our sport page.
0 Commentaires