'Giroud has lost confidence': France boss speaks out over Arsenal striker's troubles

Olivier Giroud has never truly convinced as Arsenal's main striker

FRANCE boss Didier Deschamps believes Olivier Giroud has lost confidence at Arsenal this season.

 

The striker has scored just three goals this campaign and has been in and out of the team.

He was also sent off in the Champions League against Dinamo Zagreb, a match which Arsenal went on to lose 2-1.

The 29-year-old is competing with Theo Walcott for the main striker role at the Emirates and at this stage of the season is being forced to settle for a place on the bench.

Deschamps said: "Olivier is in a tough position -- it's a difficult period for him.

 

"He was sent off in the Champions League with Arsenal and couldn't play in their last match in the competition. He's not playing as much as before. 

"Inevitably, his confidence has diminished."

France face Armenia on Thursday before taking on Denmark three days later and Deschamps is confident Giroud will show his qualities.

 

Olivier Giroud was sent off against Dinamo Zagreb last month

"He started two games at the 2014 World Cup," Deschamps said.

"He was an important player and he can't lose that from one day to the next. 

"The fact that he's here is also a way of telling him that I have confidence in him."