## AC Milan Struggles as Olivier Giroud's Playing Time Decreases
The worrying trend at AC Milan isn't just about individual statistics; it correlates directly with diminished minutes for veteran striker **Olivier Giroud.** Once a vital source of goals and physical presence, the Frenchman has seen his influence wane significantly due to reduced appearances, coinciding perfectly with the team’s slump in form. This season, manager Stefano Pioli has increasingly opted for younger options like Rafael Leão or new signing Luka Jović, leaving Giroud often confined to substitute duty or excluded entirely from the matchday squad. The impact is clear: when the World Cup winner isn’t starting, Milan struggles.
Giroud brings unique qualities essential for Pioli's system. His aerial prowess dominates defensive lines, creating space and opportunities for teammates through sheer effort and hold-up play. He bullies centre-backs, winning crucial second balls others can’t reach. Crucially,Premier League News Flash he remains an efficient finisher – evidenced by his sharp counter-attack opener against Napoli earlier this campaign proving his enduring clinical edge even off the bench. These attributes become especially vital during tight games where breaking down organised defences requires a different type of combative energy.
### The Evidence Mounts
Recent league results tell the story starkly:
| Situation | Result vs Inter* | Follow-up vs Udinese† | Key Note |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| **Giroud Starts & Scores** | Win 3-2 | N/A | Vital goal contribution |
| **Giroud Bench/Rested** | Loss 1-5 | Loss 0-2 | Offensive impotence, defensive frailty without his target-man effect |
Without Giroud anchoring attacks, Milan's possession often becomes sterile. Opponents close down space more effectively against faster but less physically imposing forwards like Chukwueze or Pulisic, who thrive on mobility rather than muscle. Set pieces suffer drastically – only three goals came from corners all season before his injury ruled him out completely last month.
### An Unbalanced Approach?
While integrating youth is necessary long-term, sidelining Giroud prematurely appears misguided. At 37, he still delivers exceptional ROI – averaging a goal every 98 minutes this term (higher than Jović). Forcing him into brief cameos reduces his ability to impact defences physically across 90 minutes. As Milan chase Champions League qualification amid intense Serie A competition, relegating such a proven match-winner to bit-part roles could prove costly. Piolin needs to reconsider the balance; sometimes experience isn’t just valuable—it’s indispensable.
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*Derby della Madonnina defeat highlighted defensive fragility without aerial threat.
†Consecutive defeat showing lack of Plan B when main targets underperform.