Thomas Tuchel insists ‘no decision’ has been made on Olivier Giroud’s future at Chelsea as it is ‘too soon’ to do so.
The striker’s current contract is due to expire at the end of the season and if no extension or new deal is agreed before then, he will become a free agent.
Giroud has started in three of new Chelsea boss Tuchel’s first five Premier League games and scored the opener in Monday’s 2-0 victory over Newcastle to take his goal tally across all competitions to 10.
And though Tuchel hailed the 34-year-old as a ‘key figure’ in his side, he admitted no decision has been reached over whether he will still be at the club beyond this season.
‘No decision has been made because it’s too soon to make these decisions, too soon in the season,’ said the German boss.
‘I don’t have enough time to make these decisions because I just started three weeks ago, and we need more time to get to know the group better and better.
‘Everybody deserves more time to show their value to the group. What I can say until now is that I am super happy that he is here. He is one of the top strikers in the box.
‘He is physically strong, he has an incredible first touch when he takes balls directly on the volley. He is very, very strong at that.
‘He is very strong at headers. He had an amazing game against Newcastle. He is very strong, very, very positive in training. This is very impressive.
‘And right now he plays a key role in this squad, where a lot of young offensive players play.
‘He is a key figure. Maybe not because he plays 96 minutes every three days, but the way he behaves and with his experience on a daily basis.
‘He has a huge impact in the most positive way we can wish and this is what I am saying.
‘I am very happy he is here and from there, on we go. When the decision arrives, we will make it. But, like I said, it is too soon.’
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