Frank Lampard understands Olivier Giroud’s frustrations and insists he will have a ‘clear and honest conversation’ with anyone who wants to leave Chelsea.
Giroud has struggled for gametime this season after falling behind Tammy Abraham in the pecking order and Michy Batshuayi was given the nod to start against Manchester United in the 2-1 Carabao Cup defeat at Stamford Bridge in midweek.
His international manager Didier Deschamps has voiced his concerns over Giroud’s lack of playing time at club level, but Lampard brushed those concerns aside, insisting he has to focus on what’s best for Chelsea.
Giroud has been linked with a move to Lyon in the January transfer window and while Lampard would happily sit down and discuss any unsettled player’s future, he is not worried by the Frenchman’s situation at present.
‘It is difficult for me and it is difficult for them – we both have our jobs so it doesn’t feature in my thinking,’ he said of the need for his attackers to impress their international bosses. ‘I have care for all the players. I have to pick the squad as I see it for the best of Chelsea as they do for their countries.
‘I have got three strikers to pick from and I have to make the choices. Again I can’t complain about any of their attitudes.
‘Things will look different and that is where you need professionalism. Between those three I have had it from all of them.
‘I would always have a conversation with a player who says they don’t want to play for the football club, whoever they are.
‘That is something where I would have a clear and honest conversation with them. We are not at that point yet so it is not one to discuss right now.’
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