Thomas Tuchel has revealed that no decision has yet been made on Chelsea’s France international striker, Olivier Giroud.
Tuchel added that he has not had ample time since he was appointed Chelsea manager to make a decision on the veteran attacker’s future.
The former PSG manager has been in charge of Chelsea for less than a month.
Frank Lampard was sacked at the end of January and replaced by the former PSG head coach, who has since gone on a run of six games unbeaten.
Giroud and Tammy Abraham have jostled for starts during Tuchel’s early time in charge but the France international’s contract is set to expire at the end of June.
Tuchel spoke about the 34-year-old ahead of his side’s upcoming game with Southampton: “No decisions made, because it’s too soon to make these decisions, too soon in the season, and I don’t have enough time to make these decisions because I just started three weeks ago.
“We need more time to get to know the group better and better and everybody deserves more time to show their value for the group. What I can say is that, until now, I am super happy that he is here.
“He is one of the top strikers in the box, he’s physically strong, he has an incredible first touch when he takes balls directly. He is very, very strong on that. He is very strong on headers.
“He had an amazing game against Newcastle. He is very, very strong, very, very positive in training, very impressive, and right now he plays a key role in the squad, where a lot of young offensive players play.
“He is a key figure, maybe not because he plays everywhere for 96 minutes, but the way he behaves and with his experience daily so far the last three weeks. He has a huge impact in a most positive way that we can wish, and this is what I can say.
“So I am very happy that he is here, and from there, we will arrive at decisions, but it is too soon.”
