It wasn’t the best kept of secrets this summer, was it?
It was more of a case of when Gianfranco Zola would be appointed as Maurizio Sarri’s assistant as opposed to if!
But the official acknowledgement came yesterday and Zola’s first task in his new role was to board the plane to Australia for Chelsea’s pre-season friendly against Perth Glory.
Naturally, here at Vital Chelsea, we’re delighted to welcome Gianfranco back to the club and we’re hoping that he can replicate the success he had as a player with us but in his new role.
However, it’d be churlish to not have reservations about whether Zola is the man to help Sarri to the first piece of major silverware as a manager.
Since hanging up those magical boots, Zola has hardly been a success when it comes to managerial roles, having taken charge of West Ham United, Watford, Cagliari and Birmingham City, perhaps proving the old adage that brilliant footballers don’t necessarily make great managers.
But, in his new role, there’s no doubting that Gianfranco brings a wealth of football knowledge to the club and his professionalism will stand him in good stead.
Talking to the media about returning to Chelsea and as quoted by the BBC, Gianfranco has remarked,
“For me it is an amazing thing. I am pleased to be here.
“It would be great to be successful with Maurizio and for the club and I will give my best, as I did in the past as a player.”
Many Chelsea supporters have yearned for Zola to return to the club as a manager one day, the manner in which Chelsea go through managers could see that happen sooner then later if Sarri doesn’t cut the mustard and is axed.
Anyone for Gianfranco as caretaker manager cometh the New Year?
Please feel free to drop your views on the return of the legend that is Zola in our comments facility beneath this article.