Dyche’s dive rap warning
Lamps ready to wreck Giroud’s Euro dream
FRANK LAMPARD has told Olivier Giroud that club comes before country – after the World Cup winner failed to make Chelsea’s Carabao Cup side.
The former Arsenal star has made only two starts this season and France coach Didier Deschamps has appealed for his leading striker to be given more game time ahead of Euro 2020.
At 33, Giroud won’t get another chance to play at a major tournament.
But when the Blues boss rotated his team against Manchester United in midweek, Belgium’s Michy Batshuayi replaced top scorer Tammy Abraham.
All three will want to star at the Euros next summer and need to impress their national coaches but, ahead of today’s game at Watford, Lampard said: “It is difficult for me and it is difficult for them – we both have our jobs so it doesn’t feature in my thinking.
“I have care for all the players. I have to pick the squad as I see it for the best of Chelsea as they do for their countries.
“I have got three strikers to pick from and I have to make the choices. Again, I can’t complain about any of their attitudes.
“Things will look different and that is where you need professionalism. Between those three I have had it from all of them.”
Giroud is out of contract in the summer and has been linked with a move to the MLS after the Euros.
But he could also seek a change in January – with Lyon already linked with him – although Chelsea will not be able to replace him because of their transfer ban.
“I would always have a conversation with a player who says they don’t want to play for the football club, whoever they are,” added Lampard.
“That is something where I would have a clear and honest conversation with them. We are not at that point yet so it is not one to discuss right now.”
Batshuayi has yet to start a Premier League game this season but netted a stunning solo effort against United.
“He loves scoring goals,” said Lampard. “That might sound simple for a striker but
I’ve seen some that don’t love it quite as much. He does.”
SEAN DYCHE says he has been told to stop complaining about diving – because it could harm his career prospects.
The Burnley boss has been one of the most outspoken critics of players he believes take a tumble to win penalties.
Last weekend he accused Callum HudsonOdoi of “simulation” in the Clarets’ 4-2 home defeat to Chelsea.
But Dyche insists it will not stop him highlighting an issue he thinks is a stain on the game, even though some believe his strong views could put off some clubs from employing him.
He said: “I’ve been told by prominent managers to stop going on about it as it will affect my career.
“But you have to be true to yourself and able to look at yourself in the mirror.
“A couple of managers said it could affect me.
“I’ve got a kid who plays and it would be double standards for me to let it go, then tell him I don’t want to see him doing it.
“This is a professional sport and people cheat. You wouldn’t accept that in any other form of life. “Yet I’m the bad guy. “The worst thing about it is kids’ football, where they are all doing it now.
“The FA put in millions of pounds to respect grassroots football – but just stop them from diving.
“Stop them diving, feigning injury and rolling around when they’re little or they’ll grow up doing it.
“Where do they learn it from? It’s from the TV, the stadiums. You’re not born thinking, ‘I’ll wait for contact and I’ll go down.’”
Dyche celebrated seven years as Burnley manager this week but insists they can’t be regarded as an established Premier League club – despite a their fourth consecutive season in the top flight.
He is the second longest-serving manager in the Premier League, after Bournemouth’s Eddie Howe.
Dyche, who takes his men to Sheffield United today, said: “Established is a tough word to tout around when you are us.
“I’m not sure we are established. We’re growing towards that, to have the look of a regular Premier League team.”