Zola on Hazard’s injury, Morata, Cahill’s future, a possible signing and Chelsea’s big long-term aim
Chelsea assistant boss Gianfranco Zola spoke about a number of issues at a media conference on Tuesday ahead of the Blues’ Carabao Cup game against Bournemouth. Here’s what the Italian had to say.
On Eden Hazard’s injury
“Eden has got a knock in his foot and we are assessing him. I think we will decide today (Tuesday).
“Obviously Hazard is one of our best players so to have him available is a big deal, but we don’t want to compromise anything.
“We will see. It depends on how the fitness test is going to go.”
On Alvaro Morata
“Alvaro has a problem. He twisted his knee against Vidi. It won’t take, I believe, long (for him to recover). But he’s not going to be in contention for tomorrow.”
On Jose Mourinho being sacked by Manchester United
“It’s never pleasant to see a coach being dismissed from a job. It’s not pleasant for anyone and especially it’s not pleasant for somebody like Jose that has won so much for the game and so much for this club (Chelsea).
“I want to wish him all the best in the new adventure. I’m sure he will soon have another adventure somewhere else.”
On whether Mourinho might be finished as a manager
“Nowadays getting the sack is part of our job and it belongs to everyone – from the small coaches to the big ones.
“Knowing the character and the personality of Jose, he will want to bounce back very quickly.”
On Uefa investigating anti-Semitic chants by fans
“We are talking about investigations, so it’s very difficult to say anything about that because we don’t want to get into the middle of that.
“We will see what happens and obviously then we are going to give a comment on that.
“It’s sad. Racism doesn’t belong to football, it doesn’t belong to anything.
“But I know these supporters very well. They gave me so much and they gave to the team so much.
“I’m sure they will react in a positive way and will support the team in a strong way but also a very, very respectful way.”
On the Carabao Cup
“We are ambitious and we want to win, so we are going to treat this competition seriously.
“Of course we know we have a lot of games to play, so there will certainly be changes. But despite those changes there will be a strong team.
“We are a new group and we want to do well for this club – we want to win something and the Carabao Cup is an opportunity.”
On reports Chelsea want Bournemouth’s Callum Wilson
“I am sure there are a lot of players that are linked with us.
“Certainly Callum Wilson is doing very well and is an interest not only for us but for many.”
On what makes Wilson a threat
“He’s strong, fast and he sees the goal. I like him because he’s quick but also strong in the air, which is a very important quality.
“He’s doing very well and I’m pleased for him. He has a lot of qualities that can take him a long way so I hope he continues improving like he’s doing.”
On Bournemouth
“We know Bournemouth are a dangerous team. They have gone far, they keep improving because they have a very good coach and are a good team.
“So we know that the game will have a lot of difficulties but also, with all respect, we know our potential and we are getting better.
“We’ve had our bad spell but we’re coming stronger from that and are approaching the game with a lot of confidence.”
On Gary Cahill’s future
“At the moment it’s very difficult to say anything about that.
“There are players that are playing very well – not that Gary when he has played has played bad, he actually did well – but at the moment there are other players that are performing very well.
“I don’t know what is going to happen, but I know Gary is a fighter. Actually, for me personally it was a surprise to find out his personality.
“I’m sure he will do his best to get a position in the team quickly.”
On whether Maurizio Sarri has to win a trophy this season
“No, not really. The manager has to build up. We inherited a team that has won a lot in the past and we certainly want to achieve something, but we’re not in a hurry for that.
“We are structuring a team and a system that can be competitive in this league but also in Europe.
“The aim is to become one of the best teams in the country and in Europe. We know if we want to achieve that we need to think not only in the short term but also in the long term.”
On how close Chelsea are to being the team Sarri wants
“There are days when we are very close and some others where we go far!
“But this is part of the process. This team sometimes plays really the way Maurizio’s teams play but so far we haven’t managed to do it consistently and that is the target we have in front of us.
“It’s not easy, because it’s very demanding what the coach asks of the players, especially certain players – difficult but very ambitious.
“As much as we try to play very offensive football there are a lot parts where you have to defend a lot.
“You have to run and you are always active. There are no pauses during the game.
“This is what some of the players need to achieve; to be more consistent during the game – not switch off.
“Players are not stupid. They understand when somebody is honest and is trying to improve you and is doing something that can make you better.
“When they do recognise this it’s very easy to get on.”
On Sarri’s personality
“He likes to chat, to have a glass of wine and to smile. But when he’s on the pitch he’s very serious. He works a lot.
“This manager has spent 30 years in low leagues to build up what he has built up. He wants to do well and I appreciate that.”
On Ruben Loftus-Cheek
“I think Ruben has gone a long way from the beginning of the season.
“He has improved a lot, especially in his application on the pitch. Nobody has ever doubted his qualities, because we can see that.
“To play as a midfielder, he is learning duties that in my opinion didn’t happen before. He had the duties but maybe he didn’t have the application he is having at the moment.
“I’m very pleased with him. I think he’s a player that is an impact player and I’m pleased for him because he’s worked hard.
“He was suffering when he didn’t play and to see him now, achieving something and being recognised, it must be very good for him.”
