This summer was a significant moment for Lille. After a disappointing stint with Los Angeles FC, Olivier Giroud returned to France to showcase his skills with LOSC. Initially, this move seemed promising for the club. Giroud, a 2018 World Cup champion, quickly became a key player, making his presence felt in every match. He scored two goals in the first two league games, proving he still had his finishing touch.
On September 25, he added another goal in the Europa League against Brann, but since then, he hasn’t found the back of the net again. Several factors contribute to this downturn. At 39, Giroud is facing challenges in maintaining the physical condition needed for consecutive matches. He has also missed two games this season due to injuries. Additionally, the rise of Hamza Igamane has had an impact on his playing time.
Olivier Giroud Struggles Against Strasbourg
Igamane, who was also signed this summer, has been impressive when given the chance, scoring 7 goals in 17 appearances. His performances have garnered support from fans and coach Bruno Genesio, leading to more playing time for him. This situation has pushed Giroud to the bench more often. On Sunday, Giroud was a starter for a crucial match against Strasbourg but had a challenging game. He struggled to make an offensive impact throughout the match.
The match took a turn for the worse shortly after the hour mark. While defending near the midfield line, Giroud made a critical mistake, allowing Emanuel Emegha to score for the opposition. He was substituted in the 77th minute for Marius Broholm. Despite this performance, coach Bruno Genesio expressed his continued faith in Giroud: “There’s no need for concern. Strikers go through difficult phases. It’s a part of the role. Olivier has experienced this before and has the ability to bounce back. We have other offensive options beyond Olivier.”
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