In a bold and heartfelt statement, former Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud has publicly thrown his support behind Liam Delap, backing the young forward to shatter the infamous Chelsea No. 9 curse — the same one that swallowed legends like Torres, Falcao, Higuaín, Lukaku, and more.
> 🗣️ “I know so many people believe that the No. 9 Shirt is cursed and no player has had success wearing the number… but he’ll be the one to break that curse,” Giroud said. “He’s so good I already see him scoring 50+ goals and assists this season.”
But Giroud didn’t stop there — he issued a key caveat to this prophecy.
> ❗ “He can only do all these… IF Maresca does one thing.”
—
🔍 So, what’s the ‘one thing’?
According to reports close to the French World Cup winner, Giroud believes Maresca must completely structure the team to suit Delap’s strengths, especially:
✅ High-intensity pressing to win the ball higher up the pitch
✅ Wide support and quality deliveries from both flanks
✅ Creative freedom to allow Delap to roam, drop deep, and link play
✅ Patience and trust — even if the goals don’t come immediately
Giroud knows what it takes to succeed at the top level, and he’s urging Maresca not to fall into the trap of chopping and changing up front — something Chelsea managers have been guilty of in the past.
—
🧠 Why It Matters:
The No. 9 shirt at Chelsea is legendary… and infamous.
Delap has the raw talent and physical profile to become a monster under the right system.
With the right guidance and tactical setup, Giroud believes Delap could become one of the best in Europe.
—
🔵💣 Will Delap be the chosen one? Or will the No. 9 curse strike again? Giroud
has made his call — now it’s up to Maresca.
