Sarri Stresses Importance of Olivier Giroud
Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri believes that striker Olivier Giroud plays an important role within the first team.
Giroud is one of two recognized forwards within the Blues first-team along with Alvaro Morata. He currently serves as the second choice forward for the club behind Morata.
The Frenchman opened his goal scoring account for this season after netting the only goal of the game during the Blues 1-0 Europa League victory over BATE Borisov on Thursday night.
The veteran striker earned a surprise move to Stamford Bridge in January 2018 after Morata was struggling for form. The Blues needed a new striker and Giroud was one of the only proven scorers that were available at the time. He was struggling for game-time at former club Arsenal and needed to play as regularly as possible if he was to win a place in the France World Cup squad, which he eventually did.
It is ironic that Giroud’s move from the Gunners to the Blues was actually a symbolic upgrade even though he was struggling for game time at his former club. Had he remained at the Emirates, the chances are likely that he would have bowed out of the game without having won a Premier League title. On the other hand, he could potentially have a chance to win the English top-flight with Chelsea this season if the club manage to retain their current level of momentum.
Giroud may not be a prolific scorer and may be past his prime but he does still have a lot to offer at the highest level. He has proven that he can be a reliable deputy for Morata if required. As Morata tends to be quite inconsistent, there is a decent possibility that Sarri may have to call him up ahead of the Spaniard at some point this season.
Speaking after the win against BATE, Sarri said of Giroud, as quoted by The Metro: “Yes, I’m pleased for him. He’s a very important player for us because he’s very useful for the team. But I know very well that strikers want to score. And so, for his confidence, I think it’s very important.
“But I don’t want him to be worried about scoring because, for us, he’s very important and very useful. Very important.”
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