Thursday 5 July 2018 19:24, UK
Gianfranco Zola hopes the protracted managerial saga at Chelsea is resolved soon and has refused to rule out a possible return to his former club.
Antonio Conte remains in charge at Stamford Bridge but former Napoli manager Maurizio Sarri has been heavily linked with the Blues.
Sarri left his role as Napoli boss at the end of last season and was replaced by former Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti, although Sarri remains under contract at the Serie A club.
Napoli chairman Aurelio De Laurentiis is demanding compensation before he releases the 59-year-old, and Chelsea would also have to pay Conte the remainder of his contract if they replaced him with Sarri.
Sky sources understand Sarri already has a backroom staff in place which includes Zola, and the former Chelsea forward is keen to see the matter resolved as quickly as possible for the good of the club.
"I am in a very difficult situation as I am part of the speculation. I really hope whatever happens, that it happens quickly," said Zola.
"At the moment you need to have a clear situation as quickly as possible.
"We are talking about two coaches that I respect a lot - Antonio Conte and Maurizio Sarri. For me to say more on this situation is difficult."
Zola added: "It is difficult because I have respect for him. I really wish that a quick solution that would be good for both parties is found. Time is important."
Zola admits he would relish a return to Stamford Bridge but remained tight-lipped on the managerial situation.
"It is in my blood of course," he said. "Chelsea is a place where you need to be good and work hard. That is all I can say, it is a special club. We will see what happens."
