Lampard dishes out warning to Chelsea star to choose club over country

Olivier has been told by Frank Lampard he should focus more on playing for Chelsea than the French national side.

The 33-year-old was left out of The Blues squad that lost 2-1 to Manchester United in the Carabao Cup in midweek.

Giroud has only made two starts under Lampard this season and France coach Didier Deschamps has appealed for the Englishman to give the forward more playing time.

And despite Lampard's squad rotation in midweek, Mitchy Batshuayi replaced Tammy Abraham in the stating XI with Giroud nowhere to be found.

All three Chelsea strikers are looking to make their respective squads for their countries ahead of the Euro 2020 tournament next summer.

But Lampard has insisted: "It is difficult for me and it is difficult for them - we both have our jobs so it doesn't feature in my thinking. I have care for all the players. I have to pick the squad as I see it for the best of Chelsea as they do for their countries.

"I have got three strikers to pick from and I have to make the choices. Again I can't complain about any of their attitudes.

"Things will look different and that is where you need professionalism. Between those three I have had it from all of them."

The Chelsea legend also commented about at Giroud's situation: "I would always have a conversation with a player who says they don't want to play for the football club, whoever they are.

"That is something where I would have a clear and honest conversation with them. We are not at that point yet so it is not one to discuss right now."