Antonio Conte has urged Olivier Giroud to learn Chelsea’s way of playing after the Frenchman displayed a spectacular performance against West Brom at Stamford Bridge on Monday night.
The Italian gave the former Arsenal striker his first game after his late hour deadline transfer to join the Blues, and Conte has reaped the benefits, Giroud playing a vital role in Eden Hazard’s 25th minute opener.
Forward Alvaro Morata substituted striker Giroud in the 61st minute and also assisted Hazard’s second of the night. Morata had only just recovered from his back injury after missing several games since January 17. His appearance in the West Brom game was his very first after the long out period but the out of form striker did not look out of place, leaving head coach Conte to admit his admiration for his “personality and speed”.
Conte also urged both Morata and Giroud to work hard at being fully fit again.
“We must be pleased for Giroud’s performance. It was the first time he has played from the start for us. He needs to improve, to go into our idea of football, but to have a point of reference like Olivier is very important. We must be very pleased because, on the same night, we found also Morata.
He played very well in the last 30 minutes, with great personality and speed. Now the most important thing for us is that these two players find their best physical condition. Morata has suffered for a month with this pain in his back, and I hope we’ve solved this situation.
Giroud is coming back from a muscular problem so it’s important he goes into our idea of football, into the right position. The first goal was a clear example of our idea.”
Antonio Conte, Evening Standard
