Olivier Giroud has welcomed Chelsea’s signing of Timo Werner by saying it is “more motivation” for the strikers at the club. Tammy Abraham has led the line most often this season and is the club’s top scorer with 15 goals. Meanwhile, Michy Batshuayi has six but has been linked with moves away and Giroud has played nothing more than a back-up role.
However, after coming back into the side at the start of the year, Giroud earned himself a new deal. This was confirmed by the club in May, and it means that the Frenchman is among the competition for new signing Werner when he links up with the side.
Olivier Giroud Welcomes Added ‘Motivation’ From Timo Werner Signing
Being Given More Chances
Speaking to the Guardian’s Jacob Steinberg, Giroud admitted that he came close to leaving Chelsea in January, with his chances in the side limited. However, after a January move failed to materialise, Lampard promised the striker more opportunities to impress.
He did just that, and Giroud repaid the faith shown in him by scoring against Tottenham Hotspur and Everton before lockdown.
The striker said: “When he told me that I was going to have more chances to show, I just trusted him, and I really want to fight for it, like I have done before at Arsenal. My motivation was very high. He gave me the opportunity and I just tried to pay him back. It feels like a new start.”
Part of the Competition
Given the price paid for him and the undoubted quality he possesses, Werner will likely go straight into the side. Whether this will be through the middle or out on the left with Abraham playing centrally is unclear yet. However, Giroud and, currently, Batshuayi, will be the ones tasked with keeping Werner on his toes and waiting in the wings for their chances.
Giroud welcomed the signing of the German, saying: “He is going to be a very good signing and more motivation for strikers.”
Any slip-ups from Werner will likely see Giroud given a chance to impress, and he still feels he has a lot to offer in a Chelsea shirt, saying: “I’ve been the super sub but want to make the gaffer’s choices more difficult.”
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