Frank Lampard has said that Olivier Giroud was "bang on" to express his frustrations regarding a lack of playing time at Chelsea but the head coach insists that the France striker has a big role to play as the season progresses.
The World Cup winner declared his need for more minutes while on international duty last week but with Tammy Abraham in sublime form Giroud, 33, has been unable to get a look in at Stamford Bridge.
He has made one start, the draw with Leicester in mid-August, and only lasted an hour on that occasion. There have also been two appearances off the bench - the opening weekend defeat to Manchester United and the Champions League defeat to Valencia.
"I had a good chat with Oli before he went away," Lampard said after Saturday's narrow win against Newcastle United. "I always respect all the players but particularly those of his age. I remember being in that sort of low-30s age. I love his professionalism.
"He was bang on when he spoke to me. He was bang on with his quotes when he was away with France. He shouldn't be happy and accept not playing. That's what good players do. I think, as I said to Oli, he will get his games and be a big influence for us.
"Because of how Tammy is playing at the moment there haven't been as many minutes. So that will be something I will sit down happily [to discuss] with Oli in January. But January is quite a long way away."
Asked if he would be happy to let Giroud go if he is still not getting any game time come the January window, Lampard added: "No because at the minute, as I say, he is a big part of the squad. As I say, Tammy has been producing but I would sit down with him because I respect him. But no, I want him here."
Giroud had been asked about his future following France's 1-1 draw with Turkey last Monday in which he came off the bench to score. He also struck the winner from the penalty spot in the 1-0 win away to Iceland four days earlier.
"I’m going to fight for my place at Chelsea, the coach knows it," he said. "After, we will make a decision in January. If you ask me if I want to leave, not necessarily. But there are things that will make…I can not settle for what I have today in Chelsea.
"I have some beautiful years in front of me. I’m 33, I still have legs and I have a body that will allow me to play a few more years. I have a healthy lifestyle and I feel good physically.
"I want to have fun and play more games. Chelsea is my priority but if iI am forced to make a choice, I will do it like when I left Arsenal. He [Lampard] will almost certainly watch the matches [I just played for France]. In any case, I am going back to Chelsea pumped up."
