Friday, 15th November, 2013
Olivier Giroud has hailed his Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger for providing the perfect atmosphere for him to excel, as the Frenchman prepares for a crucial World Cup playoff.
Giroud swapped France for North London last year and bagged 11 Premier League goals in his debut season with the Gunners, with a further five this time around.
His France debut came in 2011 under Laurent Blanc and he has since grown in stature with Les Blues, a far cry from 2010 when he watched the playoff win over Ireland from the stands whilst contracted to Ligue 2 side FC Tours.
France are preparing for tonight's playoff first leg against Ukraine, and Giroud has much to thank Wenger for, telling L'Equipe: "An attacker needs trust, a good environment, and feel a real sense of well-being in everyday life.
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"This season, I have that and everything works. Technically I have progressed, that is undeniable.
"Arsene Wenger works a lot on the passing, receiving the ball, controlling the quality of the game and putting it back in order.
"When you have confidence, you're not afraid to dare to attempt. When you lose it, things get complicated. You're less spontaneous, less lucid and it shows very quickly."
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