Lampard reveals plan for Giroud amidst exit talk reports

Contrary to what reports have claimed, Frank Lampard insists Olivier Giroud remains a key member of the Chelsea squad.

Frank Lampard says he wants Olivier Giroud to stay at the club and believes the striker can help Chelsea navigate a tough December fixture list.

Reports emerged last week that Giroud was eyeing a move away from Stamford Bridge after becoming frustrated at a lack of playing time.

Those reports looked to be ‘true’ when Giroud confirmed in an interview with Telefoot last weekend that he was “worried” by his “playing time getting reduced a lot.”

Les Blues coach Didier Deschamps admitted his spot was in doubt, adding “for [the international games in] March, he will have to find another solution.

However, Lampard wants to keep the 34-year-old during Chelsea’s hectic schedule and is expected to have discussions over his future in January.

“I do have plans to have Oli [in a] very important [place] in our squad,” Lampard told the club’s website ahead of their Champions League trip to Rennes.

Frank Lampard has said Chelsea will not stand in Olivier Giroud’s way in January transfer window if the player wants to leave.

Such an underrated striker, he'd do a very good job in nearly every single PL side. pic.twitter.com/obNnXukWfu
— Footy Accumulators (@FootyAccums) November 23, 2020

“He was a big member of our squad last year. I think he played a lot of games and made a lot of starts for us last year.”

“He wants to play. When he doesn’t play, he is an incredible support for the other players, he trains brilliantly no matter what and we have grown up conversations like we did last January.”

Lampard chose to remain coy but mentioned that the Blues will wait until January to make a decision on Giroud.

“So in January we will cross that bridge when it comes but my first thought always has to be the strength of our squad.”

“I’ve just mentioned the schedule in December there and I’ll be using or relying on top players and both of those [Giroud and Abraham] as I see it, are top strikers for us.”

“We’ll have to see how that one goes and I’ll always be honest with Oli, But I still think he’s got a big contribution for us. I know that because I know how he is. I don’t want to get drawn at the end of November into conversations about what might happen in January onwards at the minute.”