Chelsea boss Antonio Conte decided to start with Frenchman Olivier Giroud over Alvaro Morata in the semi-final tie of the FA Cup at Wembley on Sunday and has no regrets after his side made it to the final of the competition.
The Italian believes the former has proved himself why he merits a place in the team so far but also gave credit to the Morata for his immediate impact when he appeared against the Saints.
Giroud has been of the better performers in recent games. He netted twice against Southampton last week. The decision to start with him probably stems from Morata’s error he committed at Turf Moor against Burnley, side-footing around the post with the goal staring him in the face.
Conte’s plan proved successful when the former Arsenal player opened the scoreline for the Blues in the 46th minute, moments into the second half. Conte later substituted the 31-year old for Morata in the 80th minute, and he immediately doubled Chelsea’s lead over Southampton with a fine header, from a Cesar Azpilicueta cross, as often seen this season.
The 48-year-old manager was glad about Giroud performance after their victory but also praised the 25-year-old Morata, insisting he has two great strikers at his disposal.
“For sure, he [Giroud] has been a good signing for us. As you know very well, I needed a player with this characteristic: strong physically, to hold the ball up and allow our No.10 to make combinations with him.
I’m pleased for both, for both, because in the last game against Burnley we started the game with both players and they showed a great link-up.”
Antonio Conte, Evening Standard
