Olivier Giroud Questions Antonio Conte's Tactical Decisions as Chelsea Malaise Continues

Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud has given a surprisingly honest evaluation of Antonio Conte's tactical setup, suggesting that Eden Hazard should not be deployed as a striker.

Giroud was brought in from Arsenal as competition for misfiring striker Alvaro Morata, but is yet to score in five league matches for his new club. This has coincided with a poor run of form for the Blues, with four defeats in their last six Premier League games.

In an attempt to improve his team's goalscoring prospects, Conte has often played Hazard up front, but Giroud admitted that he did not believe this tactic was working.

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"For me, the competition is with Morata," the Frenchman is quoted as saying by the Mirror. "We can be made to play with Eden up front but it is very rare and it really hasn't borne fruit."

Giroud also spoke openly about when he first came to England in 2012. He had just helped Montpellier to an improbable Ligue 1 title when Arsenal declared their interest, and eventually agreed a deal for £9.6m.

"There is always competition and it is necessary because I need that to continue to progress. I like challenges. After Montpellier, there was the choice of Arsenal and another club. My agent asked me if I was sure I wanted to go to Arsenal. I replied: 'Of course, it is that or nothing'

"But my choices have never been motivated by the easiest thing to do or the money. And until now, these sporting choices have proved to be rather good and rewarding."

Giroud also delivered a damning assessment of his former club's predicament, saying: "The situation at Arsenal could not have been worse and it was really a step forward.

"With Chelsea, I think I have surprised people," Giroud continued. "I have come to the English club which has won most titles over the last 10 years – that says everything.”