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Cape Town - Veteran striker Olivier Giroud says that while he does not "accept" Frank Lampard's decision to bench him, he will not criticise the Chelsea manager.
Giroud would have been hoping to play a big role for Chelsea in attack this season as the transfer ban prevented the club from bringing in a new striker.
However, that has not been the case due to the emergence of young striker Tammy Abraham, who was handed a chance at the start of the season and has grabbed it with both hands.
Lampard's decision to keep Abraham in the side is totally justified after he banged in seven goals so far this season, but that does not mean Giroud has to agree with it.
The Frenchman showed what he is still capable of doing when scoring for his country against Iceland on Friday night, and was quizzed about his Chelsea future after the game.
Giroud feels he deserves to play a bigger role, but will not criticise Lampard for leaving him out.
"Accept it? No, I do not accept it," Giroud told Le Pelerin. "You do not have to be fatalistic in certain situations. I have always been respectful and humble. Even if I do not agree with the coach, I do not criticise him.
"But in myself, I cannot accept it because I know what I'm worth on a pitch."
Giroud also revealed it was a tough decision to leave Arsenal for Stamford Bridge, but says he has no regrets over making the move.
The forward remains a key part of Lampard's plans going forward, but if Abraham continues to bang the goals in then he will have to continue settling for a bit-part role.
There has been speculation linking him with a return to France but Chelsea will not be willing to let him go while still under the transfer embargo.
- TeamTalk Media
