Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud has refused to put the pressure on Frank Lampard to start him against Leeds, this weekend. The Frenchman staked his claim for a regular place in the starting line up, after scoring four times against Sevilla in tonight’s 4-0 Champions League thrashing.
The 34-year-old was on fire as Lampard heavily rotated side in Spain and still managed to secure top spot in Group E.
That was largely down to the ruthless finishing masterclass from the World Cup winner, who was very humble after the contest.
When asked if he’ll be starting against Leeds, Giroud told BT Sport: “Let me enjoy the night and that great win and after that we will rest and we will see what the gaffer’s plan is.”
Giroud became the first Chelsea player since Lampard to score four in a Champions League game for the Blues.
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“I didn’t know until two years ago that you called it a perfect hat-trick, when I scored against Kyiv in Europa League I said what do you mean? It was good, I had good assists though.
“I will try to carry on like that to finish the good job of the team and it’s always nice to be in the club history and we play football to mark our history so I’m pleased to help the team to win and to score the four goals.”
Fans will be back at Stamford Bridge this weekend for the first time since March when Chelsea host Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds.
Giroud is looking forward to welcoming back the club’s supporters at Stamford Bridge as they look to drive the team on.
He added: “It’s been a long time, we miss our fans, football is not the same sport, the passion is not the same without the fans so obviously we are looking forward to sat and we hope for a nice welcome.”
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Despite his four-goal heroics, Lampard hinted that Giroud may not start against Leeds due to the quick turnaround.
When quizzed on his thinking, Lampard said: “We’ll have to see – it’s a tight turnaround but it’s four goals in a game.
“It’s not just his performance but when you play him and utilise his strengths and his speed, there’s a real balance in the rest of the team.”
Lampard lavished his forward in praise and made it clear he did not expect to beat Sevilla so comfortably on their own patch.
“Four goals at this level and the quality of the goals, individual aspects from Olivier [Giroud] and team aspects in the first half, from back to front the team were great, amazing solo performance from Olivier,” he added.
“Delighted with him, delighted with the team. This is a difficult place to come. There were moments in the first half where it was tough and we dealt with it.
“Olivier is reliable, full stop. Not just for us but his international goals for France, he’s up there with great French individuals, he’s got great statistics.
“I’m not too bothered about that in a way but I am bothered about what he gives us on the pitch. There couldn’t be a team-mate there that the players are happier for because of the way Olivier is around the training pitch and in the games.”
