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That is the opinion of ESPN FC pundit and former Liverpool right-back Steve Nicol.
Oliver Giroud joined Chelsea from Arsenal for £18million on transfer deadline day.
The Frenchman made his debut last night, coming off the bench in the shock 4-1 loss at Watford.
Conte claimed Giroud was not fit enough to start the match, having only just returned from a hamstring injury he suffered while at Arsenal last week.
Antonio Conte is seen in discussion with Olivier Giroud as Chelsea prepare to take on Watford on Monday
One hundred per cent, there is no way that Conte pushed to get Giroud
But Nicol believes Antonio Conte would have picked the striker if he was his signing.
“One hundred per cent, there is no way that Conte pushed to get Giroud,” Nicol said.
“As a coach, or as a manager, when you pushed to get a player in, he’s your first guy on your team sheet.
“He’s not sitting on your bench.”
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Eden Hazard started the game at Watford up front for Chelsea, with Alvaro Morata currently injured.
Michy Batshuayi joined Borussia Dortmund on-loan on January 31 to allow Giroud’s move to Chelsea and Arsenal to sign Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
Chelsea failed in a move for Roma striker Edin Dzeko so turned their attentions to Giroud.
