OLI: STAY CALM, STICK TOGETHER
OLIVIER GIROUD has urged the Chelsea family not to panic over the fortnight that could decide their season.
The Blues host Manchester United tonight, kicking off a crucial run which could either end with the FA Cup holders still chasing three trophies and a top-four place – or Maurizio Sarri in danger of the sack.
Giroud, however, has coped with pressure impressively throughout his career, winning three FA Cups with Arsenal and the World Cup last year with France.
The 32-year-old striker netted a cheeky backheel in Chelsea’s Europa League first leg 2-1 win against Malmo (celebrating with Ross Barkley, above).
And he is relaxed about his club’s season now balancing on a knifeedge. “You don’t think too much about it.” he said. “We are not in the best position, but we have big games to come.
“In the league, we have Spurs, which will be massive for us, very important.” The humiliating 6-0 defeat at Manchester City, eight days ago, saw Sarri’s side drop from fourth to sixth.
They host a United side expected to bounce back from the Champions League defeat to Paris Saint-germain, which ended a run of 10 wins in 11 games under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
But Giroud is adamant the Chelsea dressing room has not lost faith in Sarri (below), their underfire head coach.
“I haven’t heard about that,” he said. “I haven’t felt anything about them dropping the coach.
“I don’t have much to say about that. We stick altogether, the staff and the team. We want to look forward and be positive. We will work on the same path and the same targets. That’s it.” Nor is
Giroud concerned about Chelsea losing touch with the top four – despite winning only two of their last six league games.
“We are not worried about the situation and I am sure Man United will drop points,” he said. “We are confident and want to carry on with a good spirit and humility.”
The United game is followed by a rematch with City in the League Cup final next Sunday.
Spurs – winners at Stamford Bridge for the first time in 28 years last season – are up after that in the top flight.
Giroud added: “We want to qualify in every single competition, so it is going to be a massive game against Spurs.
“We need momentum and to keep going that way. So we are looking forward to it.
“I have had to deal with pressure throughout my career. I played big games with my clubs and the national team.
“In these kinds of moments, you need to think collectively and be positive.
“In Sweden (against Malmo), that’s what we showed on the pitch.
“Even though the score could have been better, we are pleased with the win. We have got strong characters in the team.
“A few players tried to bring leadership to the team and the result showed it worked.”