Giroud’s story of the Blues ‘not over’
CHELSEA manager Frank Lampard has claimed he wants Olivier Giroud to stay after the France striker issued an ultimatum to the club.
The 34-year-old has not started in the Premier League for the Blues since July but continues to be a regular for his country and is looking for game time ahead of next summer’s European Championship.
He followed up his agent Michael Manuello calling the situation ‘unfair’ by saying it is ‘going to have to change or a decision must be made’ regarding whether he moves on in January.
But despite Giroud being behind Timo Werner and Tammy Abraham in the pecking order, Lampard yesterday maintained he wants him to stay.
‘I saw Oli’s agent’s quotes and thought nothing of them because it’s just normal. I know Oli very well and have conversations with him,’ he said.
‘We’ll cross that bridge when we come to it in January [but] I still think he has a big contribution for us.’
Lampard also urged the Premier League to look at a December schedule which sees his side play two matches in three days just after Christmas.
Chelsea visit Arsenal on Boxing Day and host Aston Villa on December 28, although the TV schedule has not yet been announced for next month.
Lampard added: ‘I’ve just looked at the schedule in December and it’s brutal. Some of the games around Christmas... I hope it changes. We’re due to play Arsenal on Boxing Day and two days later Villa, when that could easily be pushed back by a day or two.’