Chelsea manager Frank Lampard has insisted that striker Olivier Giroud will get minutes and has sang the praises of the Frenchman after his performance in the Blues 2-1 win over Rennes in the Champions League, in which Giroud scored a stoppage time winner.
“I have a problem because I’ve got Tammy who is playing well and obviously he did last year as well and Oli, who always contributes in that way with that professionalism. I have two players in a similar position fighting for a place,” Lampard explained in an interview with British broadcaster BT Sport following the match.
“That’s a good problem. Oli will get his minutes because we have a busy schedule, we play every few days. I made a few changes today because I felt he had to get the freshness in the team.”
Lampard, who has already stated he would like to keep Giroud at the club amid speculation that Giroud could leave in January, then discussed Giroud’s reaction after his goal.
“I think the reason you see such a reaction around the goal, not only was it in the last minute but someone like Oli you see how he acts day in, day out and it shows you what he means to this team.
“And the things behind the scenes, everybody kind of feels from the outside what a great professional he is and how highly regarded he is by his teammates and myself.
“So for him to get a goal, you saw the reaction of his teammates, he’s so professional in how he trains and looks after himself that age isn’t even a factor for him.”
The former England national team player then went on to further sing the praises of the veteran forward, who has drawn links to Inter, Inter Miami and a host of other clubs ahead of the January transfer window opening in a few weeks time.
“He’s getting better with age if anything in terms of how he looks after himself.
“He offers a lot for us and I keep saying it but the big schedule coming up and the way we play means I will rely on players.
“So thankfully for me he’s a player that always keeps the right attitude if he’s not playing regularly, and I know when I call upon him that he comes in as he did today [last night].”
This season Giroud, who is out of contract at the end of this season, has made eight appearances across all competitions to date, in which he has scored two goals.
