Olivier Giroud admits key fault since joining Chelsea from Arsenal
Olivier Giroud sensationally swapped Arsenal for Chelsea in January in order to guarantee himself more regular first-team action, although since ditching the Emirates for Stamford Bridge, the French striker is evidently disturbed by his lack of fruition in front of the target for his new employers.
During his illustrious 5-and-a-half year stint at the Gunners, Giroud composedly registered 105 goals in 253 appearances, a record which made him a particularly prolific option in Arsene Wenger’s squad, despite his grossly undervalued status as reliable, clinical hit-man.
However, with just 1 goal to his name in a Blues shirt which came against Hull City in the FA Cup, the frustrated 31-year-old openly admits that he ‘should’ have bagged more glory for Antonio Conte’s set-up, but has vowed to make amends for his sluggish start in south-west London.
“I am happy with my adaptation, the welcome I received, the relationship on the ground with my partners,” he told French outlet L’Equipe, via a report published by Birmingham Live.
“But, that could have, it should have, been more goals.
“In terms of statistics, I am very attached to this, I remain stuck at one goal and three assists.
“It is sure that it is not enough, but in time I will do it.”
Giroud has had to adapt to a new offensive approach at Chelsea under Conte, a change in strategy which may have shaken his composure, although the usually reliable target-man insists that his current goalmouth woes are not a direct result of the Italian boss’ system, which differs from his former French tactician’s methodology.
“You have to be demanding with yourself,” he proceeded.
“If I signed to Chelsea, it’s to have a new challenge. I knew there was going to be a wait.
“When you sign like that in January, it’s never easy because you have to acclimatise to your team.
“But I really wanted to be ready right away, even though I was coming back from almost six weeks of injury.
“It was a little paradoxical.”
