After playing for both clubs, Olivier Giroud revealed to the press why Arsenal utilises more of their youth talent than Chelsea.
The Blues forward has noticed a behaviour pattern at both London clubs when it comes to their respective academy products. Arsenal have been awarded the praise of offering their youngsters more playing time than Chelsea and Giroud explained why.
“The main difference is Arsenal always tried to give the chances to the young players,” the veteran striker told the Daily Mail. “It felt like more players formed at the club could have the opportunity to play. Maybe you would get more time at Arsenal. They would be more patient.
“At Chelsea, you have to be ready quickly because in terms of trophies it has been the best club in England for the last 10 years. You don’t have time at Chelsea and when you are young it is quite difficult to find your place.
“You can see we have a very good academy producing very good players and a few of them are in the first team and that is a good example for the future generation.”
Giroud believes that it is Chelsea’s commitment to winning trophies that rid the club of their homegrown talents.
“I don’t want to kill the dreams of these young Chelsea players,” Giroud added. “They are very talented, but it makes sense because Chelsea invest more in every transfer window and they buy more top players in the world who are more experienced.
“I am just being honest. People who know football and the Premier League and these two clubs, they know Arsene Wenger could not spend too much money.
“It was the philosophy of the club and because of that — or thanks to that — he would give the opportunity to young players.”
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