Zola on Chelsea duo’s future, injury news, transfer ban and why it could be a ‘remarkable’ season
Chelsea assistant boss Gianfranco Zola spoke about a number of issues at a media conference ahead of the Blues’ Europa League game against Slavia Prague. Here’s some of what the Italian had to say.
On whether Chelsea will make changes
“There will be probably be some changes but I wouldn’t say there will be many changes, because it’s a tough match – the match we played over there confirmed that.
“We are very aware that we will have to play a good team and play at our best.”
On Antonio Rudiger’s injury
“It looks not as bad as we thought, luckily, because when he came off limping we were worried.
“But apparently it’s not that bad, plus he’s a strong boy, and he will be back sooner than you expect.”
On whether Rudiger could return against Manchester United
“There is a strong possibility that we will see him. He’s a warrior.
“It looks like it’s not that bad but the next few days will be very important to see if he can continue progressing and recovering so quickly.
“He is an important player for us and I’ve seen him improving in many ways. He brings us security and confidence.
“He will be missed but I am sure the ones who are playing well do well.”
On Gary Cahill
“He is in the squad. I still don’t know if he’s going to be on the bench or not. I think there is a strong possibility.
“Gary has been exceptional as a professional. He has always been training very well.
“It’s been a tough year for him because the manager came with different ideas. He found himself in this position.
“I can only speak very well of him. To be in this position, considering the player he is, he’s always trained and behaved perfectly. So he has my respect.”
On whether winning the Europa League is Chelsea’s most likely route to the Champions League
“I would say it’s another route. I think we still have good chances in the league.
“We were on a good run and we just lost against Liverpool. There are still games to play and we will play until the end.
“I don’t think that we need to think only about winning the european cup – I think we also have to give it our best shot in the league because we still have a good chance.”
On the uncertainty surrounding the club
“There is a lot of talking around this team, I realise that.
“We cannot be distracted from what we have to do on the pitch. We need to focus on our job and do it as best we can.
“Of course we hope that Hazard will stay with us because he is such an important player for all of us.
“Olivier Giroud has been performing, in my opinion, magnificently. It’s not down to me to say that he will stay, because I don’t have that power, but I wish that he continues like that and that will be a massive thing for him and an incentive for the club to sign him for a long time.
“There is also the ban going on. It’s circumstances that are not easy but we need to maintain focus.
“A lot of times I’ve heard that it’s been a bad season. But if we can reach the final and maybe win the Europa League and end up fourth I think it could be a remarkable season.”
On where Hazard ranks among Chelsea’s foreign imports
“At the top. He’s an unbelievable player and the more I’ve been spending time with him the more I appreciate him as a player and also as a boy.
“I’d love to have him for longer because I believe the kind of play we are trying to implement perfectly suits him. I think it’s no coincidence that he’s having his best season.
“I don’t want to take anything away from him because I think he’s an amazing player, but certainly the way we play helps him a lot.”
