Who would have thought that Olivier Giroud was actually a decent striker? Who would have thought Didier Deschamps wasn't totally barmy for selecting him throughout France's World Cup winning triumph in 2018? Frank Lampard, that's who.
But it seems as though a corner has been turned in that respect. Having been cast aside by the rookie coach in favour of satisfying his youthful policy, Lampard has since opted (or been forced) to field the 33-year-old in the starting lineup for each of the last four matches.
#Giroud has revealed he wants to earn a new deal deal to stay at #CFC next season after putting the uncertainty of the January transfer window behind him. More here: https://t.co/HHIWmYoqq2
— Simon Johnson (@SJohnsonSport) March 6, 2020
Barring a crushing defeat to Bayern Munich and an under-par showing against Bournemouth, it has worked. A victory over Tottenham in the Premier League - in which Giroud scored - and an FA Cup triumph over Liverpool have followed, offering a glimmer of hope for the Frenchman after his club career seemed to be grinding to a halt.
A plethora of English sides were joined by Serie A outfits Inter and Lazio in pursuing the forward in January, but no moves materialised due to Chelsea's inability to secure a replacement. Since then, Giroud's stance on his future has changed significantly.
“Yes. Yes. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Of course [I want to stay at Chelsea]. There are a few months to go, games to win and maybe another trophy, and after, you know, I think I have two (or) three nice seasons in front of me," he said, via The Athletic.
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We will face Leicester City in the #FACup quarter-finals! pic.twitter.com/2MZJKmkueb
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) March 4, 2020
“It was a tough month for me,” he added. “I just spoke with the manager and I believed what he said, that I would get my chance and he has given me my chance.
"I have basically tried to give his confidence back on the pitch.
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Source : 90min