In the final of the Champions League, anger suffocated: I didn’t understand it. But I don’t blame anything for the coach – ŠPORT.sk

“On his old knees”, the 35-year-old striker also decided to taste the Italian Serie A when he moved to AC Milan, with which he will try to add even more trophies to his already richly filled home showcase.

THE MAIN PRIORITY IS AC MILAN

It was a hard blow to Olivier Giroud. At the beginning of October, coach Didier Deschamps left him out of the nomination for the final tournament of the League of Nations, and the 35-year-old native of Chambery was hurt all the more because the French played grand finals against the Spaniards in the famous San Sire. It was at this stadium that he had his successful home premiere in the “Rossoneri” jersey in August, when he scored two goals in the match against Cagliari.

“To be honest, it was a little weird to see the French national team play at my new stadium, where I had a great debut. Emotionally, it was special to watch the boys only on television. Of course, I was disappointed that I couldn’t help the representation. Didier Deschamps decided not to call me and I respect that, “ revealed Olivier Giroud in an interview with The Athletic.

In the end, even without him, the French managed to beat the Spaniards in the final match 2: 1, while Kylian Mbappé and Karim Benzema took care of the goals. After returning to the French national team, the star of Real Madrid took on the role of the key center striker “Les Blues”.

Due to this, behind the scenes, there has recently been speculation about the relationship between the two footballers, but the striker of AC Milan vehemently rejected any mutual disagreements: “There have never been any problems between him and me. I say it the way it really is. I really never had a problem with Karim.

Before 2015, we performed regularly side by side in French colors. We played together at the World Cup 2014 in Brazil and at Euro 2012. I like to play with him in one team. It is true that after its arrival, we had to change some tactical elements compared to MS 2018. It was not easy to adapt immediately to the new system, because Karim and I no longer played in the same style as before.

We needed time to play together before this year’s Euro. I think we were rewarded for the hard work in the final tournament of the League of Nations. He has made it clear that the team has improved and that the French national team is currently doing well on the international stage, which I am happy about. “ explained by Olivier Giroud for The Athletic.

On the other hand, the 35-year-old Frenchman admitted that under the leadership of Didier Deschamps he should have played the team better at Eure 2020 and the elimination in the eight-final with the Swiss was a big disappointment for everyone. So was this year’s European Championship for Olivier Giroud the end of his long national team career?

“Frankly, I can’t answer that question. Now all I can say is that I focus on my current club – AC Milan – and my family. Without national team meetings, I have more time for my loved ones, but I would be lying if I said that I would not really miss the national team.

It’s always a special feeling when you get a chance to represent your country, but at the moment I want to focus on the club first and foremost. However, if coach ‘Les Blues’ ever needs me in the future, I do not rule out that I may be dressed in French again. But that’s not my main goal right now, “ added the offspring Grenoble.

He’s not blaming TRAINER TUCHEL

Olivier Giroud became a player in London’s Chelsea in January 2018, when he came for 17 million euros from rival Arsenal. At the end of his time at Stamford Bridge, however, he did not play much under the leadership of German strategist Thomas Tuchel.

Of course, he enjoyed the triumph in the Champions League, but he will forever regret that he did not play a minute in the final match with Manchester City. The whole duel only sat on the bench.

“I didn’t understand it all the more because I was our top scorer in the Champions League (with six goals, editor’s note). So I was a little angry, but I didn’t show it on the outside, because there must always be a team in the first place. I was looking forward to winning the Champions League, but this summer it was time to leave Chelsea for good after three great years. I don’t blame Coach Tuchel. Especially because he was successful with our team and we really did well under it, ” said Olivier Giroud in an interview with David Ornstein for The Athletic.

Among other things, the French spikeman defended his former colleague from the Chelsea attack – Tim Werner, whom the football community in the British Isles has long criticized almost immediately since his arrival at Stamford Bridge. According to Olivier Giroud, the problem is that people focus too much on statistics.

If you are a striker with a resounding name who does not score many goals, you will automatically feel it: “I admit that Timo did not score many goals, but he played a key role in Tuchel’s philosophy. He was really important to the team. He also managed to run the whole match and with Kai Havertz, as well as Mason Mount, they complemented each other perfectly. ”

The native of Chambery also thought about comparing Arsenal and Chelsea. He knows both clubs intimately, he has spent most of his career in them, so he has something to say in this sense. According to him, you have less time in Chelsea to show your qualities. If the results do not arrive within a few months, the club will simply say goodbye to you or transfer you to the second track.

According to Olivier Giroud, the management of “The Blues” has slightly higher demands than in the case of “The Gunners”: “The last 10 years have shown that Chelsea has won more trophies. On the other hand, the club from Stamford Bridge also spends a lot more money than Arsenal. I really liked to wear the ‘The Gunners’ jersey and I loved playing under Arsen Wenger. It was my childhood dream. Our goal has always been to finish in the top four. The fight for the Premier League title was too far away for us.

Frank Lampard was kicked out of Chelsea last season when we were in 9th place in the standings. If it was at Arsenal, maybe they would give him more time to improve. But that’s out of the question in Chelsea. That’s why you have to do well on the Stamford Bridge right from the start. ”

After all, it is Olivier Giroud who knows best that you have to fight hard for your position in the team. He had to fight for his place in the limelight his whole career. And not only that.

“My birth was not planned. When I was a teenager, my mother told me that she had fought against herself during her pregnancy. At first, she didn’t want to have her fourth child in a row. But in the end, my parents decided to keep me, for which, of course, I am extremely grateful.

My mother later told me: ‘Your strong mentality comes from that period. You were in my stomach, ready to fight for your existence, to fight to find a place in our family. ‘ I don’t know, maybe he’s right and that’s where my mental strength comes from, “he concludes for The Athletic his story fighter Olivier Giroud, who is ready for new challenges at 35 years old. This time next to Zlatan Ibrahimovič in the AC Milan jersey.