Gianfranco Zola’s future ‘in limbo’ at Chelsea — report

Maurizio Sarri is expected to complete his move to Juventus within the next 24 hours, but his future is not the only that’s been unclear. His backroom staff, who apparently all were given just single-year contracts last summer, are waiting for the situation to resolve itself, so they can start figuring out their own situations as well.

Some, like assistants Luca Gotti and Marco Ianni are expected to follow Sarri to Juventus. So is fitness coach Paolo Bertelli, who was the lone holdover from Conte’s set of new-hires. Sarri’s former assistant at Empoli, Giovanni Martusciello is expected to link up with him again, after rejecting that opportunity last summer and joining Internazionale instead (where Conte now reigns). Presumably, Sarri’s usual cadre of analytical “wizards” will join him as well.

Just as with Conte, those with previous Chelsea association will probably stay. The likes of assistant / ambassador/ liaison Carlo Cudicini, goalkeeper coach Hilário, head doctor Paco Biosca and the rest of the physios and medical staff are unlikely to be greatly affected.

The future of Gianfranco Zola however is “in limbo”, as reported by The Times this morning. His contract also expires in a few weeks but he’s “yet to be offered an extension” and “yet to be given any indication whether he will be required next season” by either Chelsea or Sarri. He’s nowhere near the conversation for next manager either.

Could he stay on with the new head coach? Possibly, though if that new man is Frank Lampard, he’ll presumably bring Jody Morris back with him as well, especially given his personal experience in having already coached some of the youth players who might be playing a big(ger) role next season. There is of course room for more than one assistant.

Just another question that needs to resolved, and fairly soon.