Maurizio Sarri has finally uncovered the confusion over the center forward role for the Europa League clash with the Spaniard Alvaro Morata seeking another chance in the starting eleven while Frenchman Giroud is rested.
Giroud showcased some adorable performances in the first four games of the season, behaving an assist maker in two of those fixtures, despite not scoring in any of the clashes. The Frenchman came on as a substitute against Huddersfield, Arsenal, Newcastle and Bournemouth but became a starter this weekend versus Cardiff city under Sarri.
His berth in the starting eleven suggests that Sarri is allowing the World Cup winner to get to his personal best ,with required rest after the major tournament and extract the decisive result for the blues. This has resulted in a debate of Giroud having the most of it in future games, keeping Morata out of the bay. But that isn’t the case. Not at least in the opening European venture for Chelsea.
Sarri gave Morata the responsibility instead to lead the line on Thursday. Alvaro hasn’t been formidable since Antonio Conte signing him last summer and the disappointment continued, now Sarri at helm. Morata provided absolute no threat into the new season with only a solitary goal in the Lonson derby against Arsenal making little noise from the stands of Stamford Bridge that day. However, he was starting games before the past weekend but lost it all against Cardiff as the ex Napoli boss’s intentions were clarified. Inspite all of that, Morata is set to start against PAOK.
In his press conference ,ahead of the clash, Sarri explained his decision to name his number nine for the game. “I don’t know [who will be the Premier League starter in the future],” Sarri said. “In the last two weeks I have seen four matches of Cardiff and four matches of PAOK Salonika and for me, yesterday I thought Giroud was more suitable for this match and Morata more suitable for the other.
“I don’t know now who will be the striker of the future. I think both, because we have to play 60 matches. For characteristics they are different, it depends on the kind of match. Today he played very well without scoring, but very useful for his teammates I think.”
Nevertheless, Morata will not try to spun an opportunity like this otherwise he may change into a bench warmer in days to come.
