Atletico Madrid vs Chelsea: Tuchel gives verdicts on Olivier Giroud’s future
Chelsea boss, Thomas Tuchel, has said that it is too soon for the club to decide Olivier Giroud’s long-term future at Stamford Bridge.
Giroud’s current contract with Chelsea will expire in the summer and it remains to be seen whether the France World Cup winner will be offered a new contract.
The former Arsenal star has made a handful of appearances for Chelsea since Tuchel took over from Frank Lampard last January.
The 34-year-old, however, didn’t feature as Chelsea drew 1-1 with Southampton on Saturday.
Speaking ahead of Chelsea’s Champions League last-16 first-leg clash with Atletico Madrid on Tuesday, Tuchel said as quoted by Sport Review: “No decision has been made [on Giroud’s future] because it’s too soon to make these decisions, too soon in the season.
“I don’t have enough time to make these decisions because I just started three weeks ago, and we need more time to get to know the group better and better.
“Everybody deserves more time to show their value to the group.
“What I can say until now is that I am super happy that he is here. He is one of the top strikers in the box.
“He is physically strong, he has an incredible first touch when he takes balls directly on the volley. He is very, very strong at that.
“He is very strong at headers. He had an amazing game against Newcastle. He is very strong, very, very positive in training. This is very impressive.
“And right now, he plays a key role in this squad, where a lot of young offensive players play.
“He is a key figure. Maybe not because he plays 96 minutes every three days, but the way he behaves and with his experience on a daily basis.
“He has a huge impact in the most positive way we can wish and this is what I am saying.
“I am very happy he is here, and from there, on we go. When the decision arrives, we will make it. But, as I said, it is too soon.”
