“We couldn’t see all the qualities” – Zola admits his and Sarri’s mistakes

Last season was very odd for Chelsea on the whole and was filled with mixed emotions.

Maurizio Sarri came in and tried to implement his brand of football. It’s the only style of football that he knows how to play as he admits himself, but he fully believes in it.

Chelsea finished third in the Premier League and won the Europa League, which capped off a successful season.

But something wasn’t right, Sarri often cut a frustrated figure as many players either didn’t agree with the style of play, or could not play it. The fans were frustrated as a result and Sarri’s Assistant coach Gianfranco Zola was often left bemused.

The former Chelsea player is a legend at the club, and his time here as a coach was cut short when Sarri left after just one season, and Frank Lampard came in with a new staffing team in tow.

Chelsea fans felt sorry for Zola and it wasn’t a great way to end his legacy there.

He hasn’t been that vocal since leaving the club, but he was talking on Soccer AM on Saturday about the current state of affairs there, and a certain Fikayo Tomori, as reported by The Metro.

Zola said:

“Chelsea have been amazing this season. There have been a few (players) that have been impressing me.

“(Fikayo) Tomori is one of the players. Last year we had him in the pre-season and we couldn’t see all the qualities that he is showing now.

“That is a surprise and a big lesson for us and me personally as well.

“They are going beyond my expectations.

“Mason Mount is not surprising me because I saw the videos of him playing in Holland and Derby.

“He needed to adapt but there was always a big potential.

“I’m not surprised about Tammy (Abraham). When we had him he was a raw talent but I loved the attitude and positivity.

They have all got a great attitude.”

 

Chelsea News