Olivier Giroud reveals the differences between Arsene Wenger and Stefano Pioli, why Milan ‘believe in the Scudetto’ and what he hasn’t yet told teammate Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
The Derby della Madonnina against Inter is on Saturday at 17.00 GMT and also a battle between the top two in Serie A right now.
“My primary objective is to win the Scudetto with Milan in 2022, then whatever comes after that is a bonus,” Giroud told StarCasinòSport.
“Of course we believe in the Scudetto. Now we have an important game with Inter and a win would be a good opportunity to be in there to the end. I played and scored in my first London derby against Tottenham, I knew what it meant to the Arsenal fans.”
Now 35, the Frenchman has no intention of slowing down and part of that is because he studied dance as a youngster.
“Perhaps that did help my stability and flexibility,” he reasoned.
“The fans saw the real Giroud, but I know that I can still give more to help the team. I would like to play more from now on, the coach makes his choices, but I feel good physically and I’m ready to achieve our objectives.”
With Zlatan Ibrahimovic reportedly still not fully fit with an Achilles tendon issue, it looks like Giroud will start upfront for Milan in the derby on Saturday.
The strikers have often exchanged places, but on occasion during a match have been used together.
“I admired Andriy Shevchenko and Ibrahimovic, but I haven’t told Zlatan that yet… He was already a top player at the age of 20, my friends gave me his jersey as a gift. Maybe I’ll get him to sign it…”
Giroud also spoke about the comparison between two very different coaches, Wenger at Arsenal and Pioli at Milan.
“Wenger was a very experienced and very, very calm coach. He rarely got angry or raised his voice. On the other hand, Pioli puts so much passion into it, I really like his temperament. He likes to shout to get us motivated.”
Giroud: “Pioli ci mette tanta pressione, ha temperamento e mi piace la sua personalità” https://t.co/flWzSqMfBg
— MilanNews.it (@MilanNewsit) February 3, 2022
If we have already seen the real Giroud, then I think we are in serious trouble.
Giroud is so underrated as a utility striker.. those around him play better when he is on fire, forever a gooner