OLIVIER GIROUD set new records as he scored four goals to destroy Sevilla – and then admitted he could still face the axe on Saturday.
Giroud was given a standing ovation by the Chelsea bench as he came off after becoming the oldest player to score a Champions League hat-trick before completing his rout from the spot.
Olivier Giroud could still find himself left out of the Chelsea team on Saturday despite scoring four against SevillaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
But the 34-year-old still doesn’t know if he has done enough to start for the Blues against Leeds this weekend.
Giroud said: “Just let me enjoy the night, that great win. After a rest then we will see what the gaffer’s plan is.”
The French international admitted last month he could be forced to quit Stamford Bridge if he doesn’t get more opportunities to play.
Last night was only his second start of the season, but Blues boss Frank Lampard admits he will find it hard to leave out the veteran when Leeds come to town on Saturday.
He said: “We’ll have to see – it’s a tight turnaround but it’s four goals in a game.
“It is an amazing performance to score four goals at Champions League level against a really good opponent, and the individual quality of all of his goals.
“Rightly he gets a standing ovation as he comes off the pitch. I’m delighted for him.
“He is the ultimate professional and I think he’s done that in his career and I think that’s why with Oli, you see his numbers for France and you his numbers in the Champions League.
“He wasn’t always a regular before I got here but as soon as I came in I could feel the positivity off of him as a player, how he wants to try and how he wants to affect people whether he starts or not.
“Olivier is reliable, full stop. Not just for us but his international goals for France, he’s up there with great French individuals, he’s got great statistics.
“I’m not too bothered about that in a way but I am bothered about what he gives us on the pitch.
“There couldn’t be a team-mate there that the players are happier for because of the way Olivier is around the training pitch and in the games.”
Chelsea have now assured themselves of top spot in Group E with one game left to play – and Lampard hailed the display of a side which saw nine changes to the team which faced Tottenham.
He added: “We dealt with things, we defended well, we were organised and some of our play was great, whether it was our comfort on the ball, whether it was a counter attacking at pace to cause a threat to them.
“There were so many big pluses from tonight that we need to continue with that.”
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Giroud is a popular man inside the Stamford Bridge dressing room and was mobbed by his team-matesCredit: Getty Images – Getty
The Frenchman became the oldest hat-trick goalscorer in the Champions League Credit: Getty Images – Getty
Frank Lampard reacts to Olivier Giroud masterclass in Chelsea’s 4-0 win at Sevilla
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
