The first time any sort of news regarding Chelsea’s interest in Maurizio Sarri as a potential replacement for Antonio Conte popped up was in the first week of February when Gazzetta dello Sport reported that Chelsea had been monitoring the Italian coach and his €8m buyout clause which would be active until the end of May.
Four months and about 14,560 updates later, it finally seems that this saga is nearing its end. While most reports this morning, including from the Evening Standard and the Daily Mail are just regurgitating reports from Italy over the weekend, Simon Johnson of the former does have some additional information. He’s apparently been told that Gianfranco Zola, who’s been busy as a pundit for South African TV channel SuperSport’s World Cup coverage, will be back in London this week as Chelsea consider making him part of the new management team under Sarri.
Been told Zola is cutting short work as a tv pundit during the World Cup in South Africa to fly back to London on Wednesday..timing seems rather significant. #cfc
— Simon Johnson (@sjstandardsport) June 18, 2018
It’s unclear what Zola’s exact role may be at the club, and how much he might be involved in coaching or behind the scenes activities. He may be a Director of Football or perhaps just some sort of liaison between the coaching staff and the boardroom.
Gianfranco Zola at his best. What a goal! pic.twitter.com/tE3sdjk28Y
— 90s Football (@90sfootball) September 20, 2016
Either way, it would be fantastic to have the legend back at Stamford Bridge!