Olivier Giroud explains why Serie A surprised him compared to the Premier League, Milan regrets against Chelsea and preparing for the World Cup. ‘I have responsibilities in this team.’
The France international is getting ready for the 2022 World Cup, but also still celebrating the Serie A title with Milan and hoping they can reach the Champions League knockouts.
“Overall, we started the season well and know it’s more difficult to confirm yourself after winning the title, opponents face you in a different way when you have the Scudetto shield on your shirt. We just need to get that pilot light going again,” Giroud told RMC Sport.
“Unfortunately, we’ve had a lot of injuries to deal with. Nonetheless, we’re in a good position in Serie A and still have our Champions League destiny in our hands too.
“It’s tough, because sides like Juventus, Napoli and Inter reinforced over the summer, not to mention Roma, Atalanta and Lazio. There are many sides that can aim for the Scudetto and Napoli really impressed me this season.
“On a personal level, I started 13 games and that hadn’t happened in a while. I feel good physically and happy mentally, I have responsibilities in this team and hope to continue like that. I like my role as something of a big brother in the locker room and I try to set the example for the younger players.”
Giroud spent the best part of a decade in the Premier League with Arsenal and Chelsea, but admits Serie A surprised him.
“We’ve seen Napoli and Inter are doing well in the Champions League. Serie A is a very competitive league, because every team is well-organised.
“I was surprised when I first arrived here, because I thought the intensity would be far lower than in the Premier League, but instead the teams all press high, sometimes I get man-marked, it’s tough work and if you are not at 100 per cent, they will cause you problems.”
Milan lost both Champions League games to Chelsea, 3-0 in London and 2-0 at San Siro, but the second match was ruined by a controversial early Fikayo Tomori red card and penalty.
“I don’t want alibis, but we had four or five first-choice players missing and then that red card, which I thought was very harsh. It’s difficult to get back on track in that situation, but it makes us even more motivated to win the last two games and go through.”
Giroud also looks forward to the World Cup with France, even if he admits his Bleus teammate Karim Benzema deserves to win the Ballon d’Or.
“A World Cup must be the objective, to retain our title. It’s going to be very difficult, but we want to prove we can do it again. A World Cup is something extraordinary for a player.”