Giroud Is A Chelsea Hero, Tuchel: He Trains Like A 20 Year Old

Olivier Giroud (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - Chelsea coach Thomas Tuchel praised Olivier Giroud's professionalism after the French veteran striker's acrobatic strike gave his team a 1-0 win over Atletico Madrid in the Champions League match in Bucharest on Wednesday, February 24.

The 34-year-old's goal in the 68th minute gave the Blues the lead for their last-16 second leg at Stamford Bridge on March 18.

Tuchel said he was very happy to work with Giroud on the training pitch. The former Arsenal forward has scored 11 goals for Chelsea in all competitions this season.

"He (Giroud) trained like a 20 year old child," added Tuchel after the match, quoted by Antara from Reuters.

"He is a man who has a good mix of seriousness and joy in training. He is always positive and that is a big factor for the group."

"He is enjoying every day being a professional footballer at this level, and this is the level he needs."

Chelsea will face tough opponents before hosting Diego Simeone's side at Stamford Bridge in the Champions League second leg.

Tuchel's team have to face Manchester United on Sunday, Liverpool (March 5), Everton (March 9) and Leeds (March 13) in the English Premier League.