Gianfranco Zola sends message to Chelsea FC supporters about Maurizio Sarri
Axed Chelsea FC No2 Gianfranco Zola felt Maurizio Sarri needed another season at Stamford Bridge
Gianfranco Zola believes that Maurizio Sarri would have been even more successful at Chelsea FC if the Italian coach had spent a second season at Stamford Bridge.
The Blues parted company with Sarri last month after the former Napoli manager took over the reins of Serie A champions Juventus following one season in charge.
Sarri replaced Antonio Conte at Chelsea FC last summer after his compatriot could only manage to guide the west London side to a fifth-placed finish.
Chelsea FC ended up finishing in third spot in Sarri’s only season in charge – ahead of Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal and Manchester United.
The Blues were 4-1 winners against Arsenal in the Europa League final as Sarri managed to get his hands on the first major trophy of his managerial career.
Chelsea FC’s record goal-scorer Frank Lampard was appointed as Sarri’s successor earlier this month.
The retired England international didn’t opt to keep Zola on his coaching staff as Lampard instead chose to bring in his own backroom team following his move from Derby County to Chelsea FC.
And former Chelsea FC number two Zola felt that Sarri’s exit at Stamford Bridge may have been premature.
“I think the best of Maurizio’s work comes not in the first year but more from the second year onwards,” Zola told talkSPORT.
“Looking at the way he works, it takes a little bit of time to put in place what he wants to do and also he is very demanding on the players.
“But, after the players get used to it, they get better and better and the work becomes more effective.”
“It’s a pity, because I think it would have been good for the club if Maurizio stayed and it would have been good for Maurizio as well.”
Chelsea FC have already added Borussia Dortmund forward Christian Pulisic and Real Madrid midfielder Mateo Kovacic – on a permanent deal – to their squad this summer.
