Chelsea

Sacked Gianfranco Zola disappointed with Chelsea treatment

By Étienne Fermie | 05 July 2019

Sacked Zola disappointed with Chelsea treatment

Chelsea legend Gianfranco Zola reveals his disappointment at being let go ahead of former teammate Frank Lampard's arrival as manager at Stamford Bridge.

Gianfranco Zola has admitted that he is disappointed to be following Maurizio Sarri out of Stamford Bridge after just one year as Chelsea's assistant manager.

The 53-year-old became a legend at Chelsea between 1996 and 2003 during which time he scored 80 goals in 311 games for the Blues.

Zola told The Sun that he "found out quite late and the manager positions of the other teams have all been sorted out."

Despite the Italian's disappointment, Zola said that he had relished the opportunity to return to Stamford Bridge in a coaching capacity, even though he was not kept on after Frank Lampard's arrival.

"It was important that it helped my career. Working for a top club with a top coach has been good for me," the Italian added.

Sarri has taken charge at Juventus, but Zola has indicated his desire to work as a manager again, and preferably in England.

"I was head coach before and my main ambition is to return to that," he added.

Zola assisted Sarri in achieving a third-placed finish and Europa League victory with Chelsea, having previously managed Watford, Birmingham City and West Ham United.