“Obviously not” – Chelsea player not prepared to be a backup

Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud scored for France once again on Saturday night, as the World Cup winners beat Albania 4-0 in a European 2020 qualifying match.

The 32-year old has mainly been playing second fiddle to Tammy Abraham under Frank Lampard for Chelsea this season, and the latter has repaid the faith in his manager by scoring a brace in his last two matches.

Giroud could only watch on from the bench, as his younger counterpart has been the preferred choice.

The former Arsenal striker is a regular choice at international level, but has spent a lot of his club career as a backup striker or an impact substitute.

Giroud has been supporting some of the younger players at the club including Abraham, and has been a positive figure for him.

But he wants more than that, even at this late stage of his career and he’s not prepared to continue playing second fiddle.

Giroud was asked about being a backup at Chelsea by Le Figaro after the Albania match on Saturday.

He said:

“Obviously not, I have goals in my head.

“I’m here to help the new generation, but the retirement time has not come. I’m still hungry and have a lot of ambition.

“I don’t just want to be Chelsea’s No 2 striker, for sure.”

“Just because I’m here as an older brother for young people, it doesn’t mean I’m out on the sidelines.”

Chelsea News