Along with Maurizio Sarri, Chelsea has also confirmed the departure of Gianfranco Zola at the football club after the appointment of Frank Lampard as the clubs new manager.
Frank Lampard was officially unveiled as the new Chelsea manager earlier this week and the Italian is expected to bring his own backroom staff along with him from Derby County including former teammate Jody Morris leaving no place for Gianfranco Zola.
But Zola has stated that it was painful to leave Stamford Bridge as he spent time there as a footballer as well as an assistant coach but also explained that he respected the clubs decision.
While speaking to talkSPORT, Zola said “Obviously it’s painful because you’re in a place where you like to be and it means a lot to you. Of course, it’s always painful, but we have to be professional and I think Chelsea are looking forward, they made other choices and I respect them, I have no problem with that.”
The 53-year-old Zola was then asked whether Chelsea would have benefitted by keeping hold of Sarri and he replied, “Yes, very much. I think the best of Maurizio’s work comes not in the first year but more from the second year onwards. 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.”
