Olivier Giroud explains how he ‘knew’ the moves his teammates Simon Kjaer and Theo Hernandez would make for the Milan goals against Roma. ‘It had been a while since I scored at San Siro.’
The veteran was on the scoresheet by nodding in the Kjaer knockdown from a corner routine, but also provided an assist with his cheeky back-heel flick for Theo Hernandez.
Yacine Adli had opened the scoring and Leandro Paredes converted a penalty in the 3-1 result.
“It was very important to get back on our feet after the defeat to Atalanta, as we were very disappointed for ourselves and for our fans,” Giroud told DAZN, referring to the midweek Coppa Italia quarter-final exit.
“There are many games to be played in Serie A, we must concentrate, then there’s the Europa League. We never give up and I am happy with the team spirit we saw today.”
This was Giroud’s sixth assist of the season in the league, bringing a different side to his game other than the usual hitman, but it helps to know his teammates so well.
“Simon did really well on that goal, I knew he would knock it down, so it was not the most difficult goal of my career, but I am happy because it had been a while since I scored at San Siro.
“I know Theo well, I knew he would make that run, but I was also fortunate because my back-heel went through the defender’s legs. I’m really pleased for him.”
In 17 Serie A games, Giroud has provided 10 goals and six assists this season.
Milan are now eight points clear of fourth and only nine points off leaders Inter, so are they truly out of the Scudetto race?
“It’s not a race against those in front of us, we must concentrate only on ourselves and take it step by step, that is how you go far. We have to hope those ahead slip up.
“It is only the start of the second half of the season, there’s a long way to go.”
A thunderous strike from Theo Hernández and yet another silky assist for Olivier Giroud's highlight reel 😮💨
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