Olivier Giroud insists he can have a big impact in the remaining games of Chelsea’s season and will not be hiding behind the excuse he is still bedding in.
The France international started for the Blues in Wednesday night’s 3-0 defeat at Barcelona, which ended this year’s Champions League adventure, but struggled to influence the game.
He has received some unfavourable comparisons with Diego Costa, who was able to bully opposing defenders so effectively last season. But the former Arsenal man is determined to get it right.
“I feel very good,” he said. “I try to do what the boss asks me to do on the pitch, and if I play, I try to give the best for the team.
“I hope that I will have the opportunity to help the team to reach our target. This year, top four is the main target and the FA Cup as well.
“I’m settling in quite well. I’m very pleased with my understanding with the boys. Obviously not everything is perfect, but I try to be that target man the boss asks me to be and to be a link with the number 10, Eden (Hazard).”
Giroud, 31, has made seven appearances and scored one goal since his January move to west London.
He added: “It’s not easy to sign in winter for a new club, so I try to adapt myself as quick as I can.
“I think there is always room for improvement but I’m quite happy with what we are doing on the pitch.
“We have good team cohesion and I think if we play with this kind of spirit [as against Barcelona], we can hope for good things for the end of the championship.
“I want to be at my best now. I work hard at training to be ready. Of course sometimes you close your eyes and score and sometimes the goal gets smaller, but trust me I keep working hard and do my best to reach my target.
“You can count on me to do my best.”
This post was last modified on 17/03/2018