Lampard: Goal Against Rennes Evidence Of Giroud's Important Role At Chelsea

JAKARTA - Chelsea manager Frank Lampard said Olivier Giroud's goal which decided the 2-1 victory over Rennes in the Champions League continued at Roazhon Park, Tuesday local time (Wednesday WIB), proved the aging striker still had a role in his team's squad.

Giroud scored his goal in the first minute of injury time to seal Chelsea's victory while also issuing tickets to the last 16 as Group E leaders.

"He always did what he did tonight, a great player," said Lampard after the match as quoted by Antara from the official UEFA website.

"It's not just the goal, but when he came in he helped connect the game and contributed through his physical abilities," he added.

Giroud only arrived in the 68th minute to replace Tammy Abraham, making his second Champions League appearance this season for Chelsea, all of whom have always been off the bench.

This season, Giroud has been short on playing minutes and has been deployed more as a substitute, but Lampard insists this has not diminished the 34-year-old striker's role at Chelsea.

"He got minutes because of the busy schedule, but you can see his reaction to the goals he scored," said Lampard.

"And not only because it determines victory, but shows the fruit of his hard work in training sessions every day and his important role for this team," he concluded.

Thanks to the victory over Rennes, Chelsea leads the Group E standings with a collection of 10 points and has already qualified for the last 16.

This means that Chelsea can rotate as Lampard wishes in the remaining two matches of the Champions League while concentrating on strengthening their position in the Premier League.

Chelsea will next host Premier League leaders Tottenham at Stamford Bridge on Sunday (29/11), before visiting Sevilla three days later, another team that has also qualified for the last 16.