Olivier Giroud reveals what he told Stefano Pioli when the Milan coach was under pressure, explains what Zlatan Ibrahimovic expects from him and insists he is happy at San Siro although there will be ‘opportunities’ to leave in the summer.
The France international released an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport on Friday, discussing many issues, from transfers to Milan targets for the second part of the campaign and his rapport with Pioli and Ibrahimovic.
Pioli had been under pressure until a few weeks ago, but Giroud revealed he’s always backed the Italian tactician.
“I spoke to him when he was in the storm. I told him: ‘I’ve gone through it too; I’ll always be here if you need me,” said the ex-Chelsea and Arsenal striker.
“When I scored against Roma, I celebrated for him as well. The coach and I have mutual trust. I always give the best for the team and he knows it.”
Giroud’s contract expires in June 2024 and there are rumours he will move to the MLS in the summer.
“I still don’t know what will happen in the future. I know that I am happy at Milan and that we’ve done great things,” he claimed.
“It’s a great love story. The club and I haven’t discussed an extension yet, we’ll see and decide later on. The most important thing is to remain focused on the team’s targets.
“MLS? There are other countries too. There will be more opportunities at the end of the season and I’ll decide. As a father and as a footballer.”
What if Milan signed a new, younger striker for 2024-25?
“It wouldn’t be a problem, I do not fear competition. It’s always motivated me to do more,” replied the 2018 France World Cup winner.
Giroud played with Ibrahimovic at Milan and the ex-Sweden striker has now returned with a role at the club.
“Ibra is a link between RedBird and the team,” explained Giroud.
“He connects the team and the owners without overlapping with Pioli’s work. He is here to help, especially in the mental approach and in terms of motivation. He speaks to us and helps. He says: ‘If you win, I win too.’
“He always encourages me, before games and during breaks. He wants me to speak out and help my teammates. He knows this is a young group that needs experience so he wants the players to speak and be an example. He wants me to be a leader.”
On the other hand, Rafael Leao is not quite a leader yet and hasn’t scored in Serie A since September.
“There are a lot of expectations on him. Rafa knows he has to be even more self-demanding because he knows his value,” said Giroud.
“As a teammate, I can say that a player like him is decisive even when he doesn’t score. Many aspects count in a team even if they are not immediately evident. We know Rafa can do more and we support him. He can go even higher. He needs consistency and, of course, a few more goals.”
Given the wisdom of his replies, the Gazzetta journalist noted Giroud could become a club director at the end of his career.
“I’d like to become a sporting director,” he admitted.
“Oversee a first team, a youth sector and transfers to see the full picture. Surely, I won’t be a coach, too much stress.”
Can Milan still win the Serie A title?
“The target is to focus on the journey. If we continue doing well and doing things properly, we can get closer to Juventus and Inter, who are having a great season,” noted Giroud.
“We’ll face them both in April, one game after another. We must get there at our best. We must earn points and then talk. Right now, it’s difficult for the title.”
How much does losing all derbies against Inter in 2023 hurt?
“It hurts, every derby must hurt. That’s why Ibra is needed too. Mae, the young players understand that a derby is a special game that must come from the heart and soul. We are on the right path even if many games remain.”
Another target for the Rossoneri is the Europa League.
“Milan can win it,” insisted Giroud.
“We are a little bit underdogs and a little bit favourite. It’s a title we want to win because it’s missing in the club’s trophy cabinet.”