Two goals, confidence and a record. After contributing heavily to Lille’s success against Paris FC (4-2) on Sunday evening, Olivier Giroud explained that “the home ground has become a bit smaller recently”. With clear shots in the penalty area (40) and full-possession penalties (77), the top scorer in Blues history (57 goals in 137 selections) led the Mastiffs to rescue success after a tricky few weeks.
“The international break provided many benefits for me to regenerate and also work well specifically,” explained the 39-year-old striker at the end of the closing match of the 13th day of Ligue 1. Thus, he ended a two-month drought. In the same move, the former French international became the oldest player to score two goals in the French first division since at least the 1947-1948 season, reports Opta.
Starting for the first time with Hamza Igamane in support compared to Hakon Haraldsson, Giroud also benefited from his teammate’s presence: “He tends to be more present in the penalty area, carries more weight, maybe less activity in the middle of the pitch than Hakon but he has the ability to quickly put himself in shooting situations. » Brought in to occupy, alone, the point of attack when Igamane will compete in the Africa Cup of Nations (21 December-January 18) with Morocco, the tall (1.93) striker meters) appeared unworried, admitting to feeling “really good now”.
“Strength of character”
After a brilliant start on his return to France, punctuated by three goals, Giroud, who by his own admission was “less effective”, hasn’t scored since the win against Norwegian side Brann Bergen on September 25 in the Europa League (2-1). In the league, his last goal came in the win against Monaco on August 24 (1-0).
“I created fewer chances, I tried to do as many as possible but it is true that when you play against a team that is trailing, it is very difficult to find solutions.» His coach Bruno Genesio praised the “strength of character” that allowed him to bounce back, as he has done throughout his career, and put aside the doubts that arose with the goal.
“This had been a recurring topic for some time: when is he going to score?”, he recalled. “He continues to work, he remains confident, even though it is difficult for him because like any center forward, scoring goals is an addiction. I am happy for him, for the team. »
