MLS
Steve Cherundolo backs Olivier Giroud amid goal drought
The French striker has failed to score in the Major League Soccer season since arriving in the summer.
One of the things that struck Olivier Giroud most about playing in Major League Soccer was the number of goals scored in each game. During his presentation in August with Los Angeles FC, the Frenchman even revealed the conversation he had with Zlatan Ibrahimovic about MLS.
The former LA Galaxy player told Giroud that he was going to enjoy the league and that he would score a lot of goals, something that has not happened so far.
In 13 league games since his arrival, 10 in the regular season and three in the playoffs, Olivier Giroud has only contributed three assists.
However, this does not worry Los Angeles FC coach Steve Cherundolo, who stressed that the French forward has helped the team win games. In addition, the Black & Gold coach defended the expectations that had been generated when his signing was confirmed.
Steve Cherundolo praises the work done by Olivier Giroud
“Yeah, I think that’s what I understand, and I don’t have to explain anything to him. He’s been through all the levels of the game, and all the ups and downs. The effort for the team is always more important than scoring goals, for any attacker,” the LAFC coach said Thursday at the media day prior to the match against the Seattle Sounders.
“Then, depending on how many goals you score, or how many key moments you contribute, that ratio can go up or down, and the direction can fluctuate for the attackers. I think he is very aware of that, and he works on it every week, every day,” he added.
Despite a lack of league goals, Olivier Giroud has already made his mark by scoring in two finals for Los Angeles Football Club. His first goal came in the 2024 Leagues Cup final against Columbus Crew, and his second came in the US Open Cup final against Sporting Kansas City.
The French forward has proven to step up at key moments, and Steve Cherundolo is confident the goals will come during the 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs.
In his final season with AC Milan before joining LAFC, Giroud finished with 17 goals in 47 appearances. His lowest career tally in top flight soccer was five goals in the 2017/18 season with Chelsea, although as he signed in the winter transfer window, he only played half the season.
In general, he has got into double figures with all the clubs he has played for - the 2011/12 season was his most productive: 25 goals in 42 games for Montpellier in Ligue 2.