Football
Liam Twomey, Chelsea correspondent 6y

Chelsea's Olivier Giroud admits goal return must increase despite settling well

Olivier Giroud has admitted that he has not lived up to expectations since arriving at Chelsea but added that his performances have given him hope that he can be a success.

Former Arsenal striker Giroud has made eight appearances since moving in a deal reportedly worth around £16 million, registering one goal and three assists, but has yet to score in the Premier League.

Coach Antonio Conte picked him up front ahead of the out-of-form Alvaro Morata for Chelsea's 3-0 defeat at Barcelona in the Champions League, and supporters have warmed to the 31-year-old's commitment and link-up play.

But speaking to L'Equipe, Giroud said he had not yet met his own standards.

"I'm happy with my adaptation, with the welcome I've had, and with my relationship on the pitch with my teammates," he said.

"Now, it could have, should have, led to more goals. In terms of statistics -- something I put a lot of emphasis on -- I'm stuck on a goal and three assists in five starts.

"It's certain that's not enough. But in any case, in terms of how I'm playing, it's very encouraging. It'll come with time.

"You have to be demanding with yourself. If I signed at Chelsea, it was to have a new challenge. I knew there was going to be expectation.

"When you sign somewhere like that in January it's never easy, because you have to get used to your team. But I really wanted to be ready, even if I was coming back after six weeks out with injury. It was a little bit paradoxical.

"The coach put me in from the second match, and that put me at ease. It went very well. After that, it's true that I haven't had the best of luck in certain matches, but in terms of the content, the play, I repeat, it's very encouraging."

Giroud added that he was enjoying the chance to play for Conte, who demands his strikers act as a "point of reference" for the attack, holding up the ball and bringing midfield runners into play.

"Some football legends, such as Robert Pires, who's a friend, Freddy Ljungberg or even some former Chelsea payers have said to me that Chelsea's game would suit me because they have always played with a big forward up front and they cross the ball a lot," he said.

"We have a set-up that allows us to go down the flanks or link up through the middle with the No. 10s, who bounce off the centre-forward who is a point of reference in line with the coach's demands.

"I'm happy and I'm positive. But I want to be demanding with myself and be as clinical as possible as quickly as possible. In the coming weeks and months, the stats are sure to improve."

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