Giroud explains why he is not worried by Werner competition at Chelsea

Chelsea's Olivier Giroud reacts during the UEFA Europa League, Semi Final, Second Leg at Stamford Bridge, London. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Thursday May 9, 2019. See PA story SOCCER Chelsea. Photo credit should read: Tim Goode/PA Wire

Olivier Giroud has insisted he still expects plenty of gametime at Chelsea despite the arrival of Timo Werner.

Giroud had to settle for a bit-part role at Stamford Bridge last season due to the form of Tammy Abraham.

However, the former Arsenal striker took his chance to impress after lockdown, scoring seven goals in 12 games.

By that point, he had already signed a contract extension to commit his future to the club until 2021, having failed to leave in January.

Despite his improved form, though, his chances of regular gametime next season have taken a hit with the signing of Werner.

The German international arrives at Stamford Bridge on the back of a 34-goal season, and scored in his first pre-season friendly as a Chelsea player as well.

Therefore, Giroud is unlikely to dislodge him from the starting lineup. However, the Frenchman remains confident of making a big contribution again this season.

 

Speaking on international duty with France, Giroud told reporters he can still succeed as he has a different style to Werner.

“In every big club, there’s competition, and it always motivated me to fight for my spot,” he said.

“Now, I’m not naive and I know that the club bought Werner to put him on the pitch. One thing’s for sure: we don’t have the same profile, he likes to go on the sides, he did it with his club and his national team.

“If it was a striker with a similar profile, I would have been more worried, but I think with the different games and the different teams we’ll play, the coach will choose different tactical systems and I really hope I’ll play, following what I did last year.”

Giroud says Lampard relationship has improved

Giroud Lampard TEAMtalk

Giroud also admitted that his relationship with Frank Lampard has improved in recent months.

Lampard gave Giroud few opportunities in the first half of the season and even came close to selling him in January, but the striker eventually repaid his coach’s faith.

And Giroud says he now has a better understanding with Lampard – although he knows he still has to fight for his place.

“My relationship with the coach has changed, clearly,” Giroud explained. “When we were looking to find a solution for me leaving, I started to know him better.

“We had a few one-on-ones and I think he started to know me better as well, so it was positive.

“We trust each other, he clearly told me I would have a chance after the lockdown. So, I gave his confidence back on the pitch.

“He knows my values and my professionalism, he said it in the press.

“I have a good relationship with him, [but] it doesn’t mean he’ll start me every game. I have to perform during training to be in the starting line-up.”