Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud admits he “cannot accept” his current position outside Frank Lampard’s starting line-up at Chelsea – but he will not criticize the Blues boss.
The 33-year-old striker has made just three Premier League appearances this term, including only one start, making it a frustrating time for him at Stamford Bridge.
The French International moved to Chelsea in the January window of the 2107-18 season when Antonio Conte was at the club but hasn’t always been one of the first names on the team sheet.
Asked how he accepted his position in the attacking pecking order at Chelsea, Giroud told Catholic magazine Le Pelerin: “Accept it? No, I do not accept it.
“You do not have to be fatalistic in certain situations. I have always been respectful and humble. Even if I do not agree with the coach, I do not criticize him.
“But in myself, I cannot accept it because I know what I’m worth on a pitch. Last year, when I felt I deserved to play, I asked the coach [Sarri] for explanations.”
Giroud signed for Arsenal in 2012 and made 180 league appearances scoring 73 goals for the North London club. The arrival of Alexandre Lacazzette limited his first-team appearances which ultimately prompted him to leave and has insisted that he has no regrets about leaving Arsenal for Chelsea.
“It was not easy to leave Arsenal for Chelsea two years ago. I loved Arsenal,” added Giroud.
“But it was a progression because Chelsea is the English club that has won the most titles, with Manchester City, in the last 10 years.
Tammy Abraham has become Chelsea’s preferred central striker this term, scoring eight goals in eight Premier League appearances.
