This archive report was first published on 8 September 2019.
Chelsea's Olivier Giroud has made it clear he is determined to win back his place in the starting lineup, following a recent decline in playing time under manager Frank Lampard.
Published on September 8, 2019, Giroud's comments come as he starts just one of Chelsea's four Premier League matches this season, with Tammy Abraham taking the reins as the team's first-choice striker.
Abraham has repaid Lampard's faith in him with an impressive four goals, leaving Giroud to ponder an uncertain future at the club.
Despite playing a pivotal part in Chelsea's Europa League triumph last season, Giroud has found himself in a similar predicament under Lampard, struggling to break into the starting XI.
However, the Frenchman remains optimistic, insisting he still has something to prove at the London club and that his presence in the team will inspire the youngsters.
"I have goals in my head. I’m here to help the next generation, but the time for retirement has not come. I’m still hungry and have a lot of ambition," Giroud said.
"I don’t want to be Chelsea’s No.2 striker, for sure. Just because I’m here as an older brother for the younger players, it doesn’t mean I’m out on the sidelines," he added.
Chelsea's shaky start to the new campaign has seen them sit 11th on the Premier League log with five points, and they will travel to Molineux on September 14 to face Wolves in their next league match.
