Chelsea legend Zola says Blues late axe hinders hunt for manager’s job after Lampard lands head coach role
CHELSEA legend Gianfranco Zola walked out of Stamford Bridge and declared: I wish you’d let me know earlier I was being dumped.
The Italian coach assisted Maurizio Sarri last season but his replacement Frank Lampard found no room for his former team-mate in the new-look backroom staff.
Zola, 52, told SunSport: “I found out quite late and the manager positions of the other teams have all been sorted out.
“Regardless, it is a minor thing for me. It was important that it helped my career.
"Working for a top club with a top coach has been good for me.
“I was head coach before and my main ambition is to return to that. But to work for Maurizio and Chelsea was a great opportunity.”
Zola's love for the club is clear having spent seven years as the star of Stamford Bridge, between 1996 and 2003.
THANK BLUE
Before Eden Hazard, Zola was the magical mini maestro the Blues fans adored.
But his return as a coach last summer saw the softly-spoken Italian acting as a peace-maker during a turbulent reign under Sarri.
Despite winning the Europa League and guiding Chelsea into next season’s Champions League, Sarri divided opinion in west London and Cobham.
But Blues favourite Zola insists there can be no question over the success he and the new Juventus boss brought to the Bridge.
Asked about supporter criticism, Zola said: “It has been a great year, there is no doubting that.
“Unfortunately, it was not to be. What matters is it was a great year and I have been part of a winning team.
“I want to take the opportunity to say thank you very much to the players, all the coaching staff and all the supporters and the club for the wonderful year we have had.
“Chelsea is in my heart and I was so proud to achieve so much for the club.”
Zola is currently in his homeland of Sardinia in Italy, but is determined to return to the managerial hot seat.
And the former West Ham, Watford and Birmingham boss favours a job in English football.
TALK TO FRANCO
Zola said: “The most important thing is I want to get on with my future.
“I would like to stay in England. I will have to wait and see what happens now.”
For Chelsea, they've gone from Franco to Frank in the dugout with Lampard unveiled yesterday as the new boss after one year at Derby.
While Zola wished his former team-mate well, he also warned the job will be far from easy.
He said: “I am very happy for Frank. It is a great opportunity for him and I really hope he does well.
“I hope he is going to be a total success. It will not be a walk in the part. It is a big challenge but big challenges make big coaches."
