Chelsea hero Gianfranco Zola makes bold Maurizio Sarri second season claim
CHELSEA hero Gianfranco Zola thinks the club should have kept Maurizio Sarri for another season.
Posted Tuesday, July 09, 2019 by Dailystar.co.uk
Chelsea should have kept Maurizio Sarri, claims Gianfranco Zola (Pic: Getty)
Sarri left Stamford Bridge earlier in the summer, returning to Italy to manage Juventus.
The Italian suffered a turbulent debut season in England, finishing third in the Premier League and winning the Europa League, despite failing to get the entire fanbase on side.
Sarri's departure has seen the return of Chelsea legend Frank Lampard.
But Zola, who has now left his role as Blues assistant, believes the west London outfit could have done with keeping the 60-year-old for another season.
"I think the best of Maurizio's work comes not in the first year but more from the second year onwards," he 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."
Sarri suffered a turbulent season at Chelsea (Pic: Getty)
Zola and Sarri have left Chelsea in recent weeks (Pic: Getty)
Zola announced his departure last week following one season in the Chelsea dugout.
And the former striker admits it is tough to leave the club.
"Obviously it's painful because you're in a place where you like to be and it means a lot to you," he added.
"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."
Zola released a heartfelt statement to fans last week revealing his decision.
Lampard has replaced Maurizio Sarri at the helm (Pic: Getty)
He said via the League Managers Association: "As I leave Chelsea Football Club, I wish to say thank you to all the fans, players and staff for their incredible support during the past season.
"I would also like to thank the Board for giving me the opportunity to return to Stamford Bridge as part of Maurizio Sarri's backroom staff.
"Chelsea is so important to me and I am proud to have helped the club win its sixth European title and qualify for next season's Champions League.
"I wish the new management team and everyone at Chelsea the very best of luck next season and in future."
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