Gianfranco Zola has hit back at Chelsea over the club’s decision to part ways with former manager Maurizio Sarri.
Sarri left Stamford Bridge to take over at Juventus in June. Despite a successful season in which he finished 3rd and won the Europa League, Sarri didn’t win over Chelsea fans.
This standoff between the manager and the fans is what ultimately lead to Maurizio Sarri leaving Chelsea.
In response, Chelsea have appointed legendary former midfielder Frank Lampard as their new manager.
Read: Frank Lampard Appointed Chelsea Manager
Gianfranco Zola was also let go from his coaching role in the wake of this managerial change. Zola says that Chelsea should have given Sarri more time.
Gianfranco Zola also said that he is hurt over leaving Chelsea and looking for a new job.
“Obviously it’s painful because you’re in a place where you like to be and it means a lot to you,” he said.
“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.”
He admits that he would have preferred to stay at Chelsea, and stuck up for his fellow Italian, Sarri.
“I think the best of Maurizio’s work comes not in the first year but more from the second year onwards.”
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“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.”
