Here are your Chelsea morning headlines for Tuesday, 11 November.
Marco van Basten praises Hakim Ziyech after earlier falling-out
Hakim Ziyech has already made a huge impact at Chelsea, despite having to wait a while for his competitive debut.
The former Ajax man scored his first goal for the Blues in their Champions League win at Krasnodar, and produced two assists during Saturday’s victory over Sheffield United.
Not everyone has been full of praise during the player’s career, though, with Ziyech having a falling-out with Marco van Basten during their time together at Heerenveen.
The Moroccan had previously described Van Basten as “a big name, but not a top coach,” but the former Dutch national boss didn’t let that prevent him praising the Moroccan after Saturday’s game.
“He already had that left leg then. He just needed to get stronger. He did not have his 'Eredivisie legs' yet,” Van Basten told Ziggo Sport (via VoetbalZone, as translated by Tribal Football)
“Ultimately, your attitude determines how far you can go. He now has it all right in that respect."
Van Basten was Heerenveen manager when Ziyech began his career at the Dutch side, before Ziyech kicked up a gear at Twente to earn an eventual move to Ajax, from whom Chelsea signed him this summer.
Frank Lampard’s international break to-do list
Chelsea manager Frank Lampard will be pleased to have seen his team go into the international break with a victory.
However, the Blues boss cannot afford to rest on his laurels ahead of the next round of Premier League fixtures.
While many members of his squad are away with their respective international teams, there are still a few players - and a few priorities - which will demand Lampard’s attention.
The main priorities involve the future of Fikayo Tomori and the situation regarding Christian Pulisic and Billy Gilmour as the pair work their way back to full fitness.
We have looked at what Lampard needs to do in these areas, as well as the challenge of keeping Chelsea’s momentum going when all of the players are back from international duty.
The Olivier Giroud dilemma facing Chelsea
Despite making a big impact at the tail end of last season, Olivier Giroud has barely featured for Chelsea this term.
The Frenchman has less than 45 minutes of Premier League football under his belt this season, spread across a handful of substitute appearances, after the arrival of Timo Werner pushed him down the pecking order.
Giroud has made it clear he hopes to represent France at next summer’s European Championships as Les Bleus attempt to improve on their runner-up finish in 2016.
It’s clear that his chances are likely to be lower if he isn’t playing regular club football, but should Lampard be the one to offer him that game time or should the veteran look elsewhere?
Lampard has spoken highly of Giroud, but it is a real challenge for the manager to keep everyone happy.
As we move towards January, it’s time for Lampard - and Chelsea - to determine whether the striker stays or goes. And it’s a tough balance for all concerned.
When Chelsea return from the international break, the games will continue to come thick and fast with 11 games on the horizon before the new year. It feels like a key few weeks for Lampard and Giroud in that respect.
