No degree of separation. Even with an ocean in between, even if the paths have diverged, Olivier Giroud and Milan remain connected: the Rossoneri lit up by beating Inter in the derby, and just a few days later, 'Oli' lifted the US Open Cup, his first trophy with Los Angeles FC, in his usual way.
Scoring. Because yes, Giroud keeps turning around "but there's no chant like at San Siro", says the French champion to La Gazzetta dello Sport's microphones in an exclusive interview, smiling, as he turns 38 today. "Here the fans are very passionate, they sing throughout the whole game, but they do it for the team, it's their culture."
So, let’s explain the culture of football better: what’s different compared to our football?
"Pace and... logistics. On matchday, I arrive at the stadium a couple of hours early by myself. No team bus, no hotel stay. When we travel, though, the journeys are long. Before arriving, I thought I would play less, but we actually play two games a week."
How do you find time to do other things? Giroud answered:
"When I arrived, I was a tourist, I wanted to get to know my new home: Universal Studios, Hollywood Boulevard, Venice Beach. I’ll go see the Lakers and Clippers. And I’ve just done the First Pitch (the ceremonial first throw in a baseball game) at the Dodgers' stadium."
With Los Angeles, you’ve already played two finals... Giroud replied:
"And I scored in both. We lost the first one, the Leagues Cup. The second one went great: 3-1 against Kansas at our stadium, in front of our fans and Michael Johnson (American legendary athlete). I had invited him to the final. We can also win the MLS, the team is full of talent. Me, Lloris, and Kei Kamara, who’s 40, are the wise ones, but we have a great mix of experience and young talent."
Milan, can they win without veterans?
"Of course, because there’s a lot of quality. And experience isn’t lacking: Maignan, Theo, Leao have been playing at a high level for years. They’re much more mature than when I arrived, and they can lead the team to another Scudetto. And the derby gives that extra push..."
Did you watch the derby?
"How could I miss it? I video-called the guys in the locker room, and we celebrated together. I spoke to my friend Armando Sciacca, the physio, and told him, 'I’m ready to talk to the boys, let’s do it.' It was amazing."
Something tells me you miss Milan...
"I'm happy in Los Angeles; I’ve found a great setup. In MLS, you feel like you’re part of a growing movement. But Italian football, Milan, the unique atmosphere of San Siro, the warmth of the fans, Milanello, and everyone working there… Impossible to forget. I left a family."
Why should Milan believe in the Scudetto? Giroud answered:
"Because the club had a great transfer window. Targeted reinforcements, and those already there have started well, like Pulisic. In a month, we’ll understand better: if Milan is still among the top and the standings remain tight, I see similarities with my Scudetto-winning season."
What’s the strength of the team?
"The attack. Since I left, they’ve diversified well... Morata, Abraham, Rafa, Pulisic, Jovic, Okafor, Chukwueze. How many are they, 7? I don’t know if there are other teams in Italy or Europe that can boast such variety and complementarity."
The Champions League started with a defeat against Liverpool, and tomorrow it’s off to Leverkusen. Giroud commented:
"The new format gives you time to recover. Milan must be ambitious: aiming for the Champions League is a duty. Because the squad is deep, and the attack is top-notch, as I said. In Europe, teams that win have quality upfront. Fonseca needs to find balance, but now he can work calmly. And I know the guys are happy with the training sessions: the group is following him. I think this is the right year to have a good Champions League run."
Will Youssouf Fofana be responsible for the balance you mentioned?
"For Youssouf, it was time to step up to a top club", said Giroud, "He’ll help the team a lot. And with Reijnders, they make a great duo."
Rafael Leao is a technical leader, but you can't expect charisma from him. For that, there’s Maignan. And what about the Alvaro Morata- Tammy Abraham pairing?
"They work great together. I know Tammy from our Chelsea days; he’s determined and hungry. Alvaro brought Spanish culture: he’s a number 9 who drops back, builds up play, facilitates the attack, and links with the midfield."
Rafael Leao is often criticised for the same flaws: lack of leadership and consistency.
"Rafa is a technical leader, he drives the team on the pitch, like Theo. You have to understand one thing: everyone has their own personality. You can’t force a player’s character and expect charisma at all costs; that’s what Maignan is for. Rafa and Theo make an impact with their plays and goals. When I played in Dallas, a fan asked me if Leao is like Henry. I replied that you can’t compare a champion who’s had his whole career with a guy who’s only 25. Let’s wait and judge at the end: Rafa has it all; the hardest part is being at 100% of your potential every week. It depends on him, on how demanding he is with himself. Fatherhood will help him grow."
Speaking of growth: are you surprised by Matteo Gabbia? Giroud replied:
"No, because Matteo is a model player: he works hard to improve, and here are the results. He can become important for Milan, I’m happy for him."
Zlatan Ibrahimovic said that he’s the boss.
"And what’s new? Ibra is Ibra, even as an executive. He knows football very well, especially Milan. If you choose Zlatan, as RedBird did, you have to trust him: Ibra needs to have free rein."
We know you'd like to become a sporting director in the future: what if one day you return to Milan in that role? Giroud said:
"Milan is one of the biggest clubs in the world, and I’ve had unforgettable moments with that shirt. If I had the chance to work for Milan, I’d be very happy. But I don’t want to have problems with my friend Ibra, huh! For sure, I’ll always be a huge Rossoneri fan."
