Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel gives an update on the future of veteran striker at the club

Thomas Tuchel reveals stance on offering new contract to Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud

Speaking in an interview before the game on Saturday (h/t football.london), Chelsea head coach Thomas Tuchel revealed that Olivier Giroud is a ‘key figure’ but talks over a new contract are yet to begin.

Giroud has consistently been linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge recently. The 34-year-old’s contract at the club is due to expire at the end of the current season.

He is by far the oldest attacker at the club. The 34-year-old is considerably older than 23-year-old Tammy Abraham and 24-year-old Timo Werner. Christian Pulisic, meanwhile, is just 22 and Callum Hudson-Odoi is 20.

And his manager says that he is a vital part of his Chelsea squad. Tuchel highlighted that Giroud’s experience is vital both on and off the pitch for the team.

“Right now he plays a key role in the squad where we have a lot of young offensive players, so he is a key figure.”

No contract yet

However. Tuchel mentioned that the contract talks are yet to begin because he just hasn’t had the time since his appointment. The German replaced Frank Lampard as the Chelsea head coach just last month.

“No decisions made because it’s too soon to make them this season. I don’t have enough time because I only started three weeks ago and I need time to get to know the group better…”

Tuchel has shown his trust in the veteran striker since taking charge of Chelsea. He has featured in 3 of the 5 league games that Tuchel has overseen from the touchline at Chelsea.

More Chelsea News:

• Kepa Arrizabalaga admits he is not afraid anymore at Chelsea
• Chelsea star Tammy Abraham closing in on a return from injury
• Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel opens up on why Hakim Ziyech is struggling for game time

The former Arsenal striker is a World Cup winner with France in 2018. Such experience in the team is usually really helpful for the younger players in the team.