Yesterday I was watching Sky Sports News and with all the dramatic headlines and breaking news banners the presenters proudly announced “Chelsea want Zola.”

My first thought was ‘oh no,’ not only does that reinforce the idea that Carlo Ancelotti will be sacked come the end of the season after the defeat to Manchester United on Sunday, but he will be replaced by one of the club’s playing heroes. If Abramovich can get rid of the coach that won the double in his first season, what could do to the reputation of the fans’ favourite player in Gianfranco Zola?

My nerves were calmed a minute or two later when Sky said he was being targeted to be among the coaching staff.

This is an interesting development. Zola was voted as the best player Chelsea ever had. He came when an FA Cup success in 1997 and a Cup Winner’s Cup in 1998, when he scored the winner in the final, meant an outstanding season for the Blues. His quick feet, ability to score and make goals from anywhere, cheeky smile and squeaky clean image won him the hearts of the fans and helped Chelsea win trophies before they had millions to back it up. But times are different now?

His involvement in the Chelsea set up will no doubt help galvanise the players and improve morale among the Stamford Bridge faithful, but now a manager in his own right the Italian master on the pitch may have his own ideas that will bring a conflict of interest on the training ground.

Football can be a romantic sport for fans and the love for their heroes should never go away and that is why Zola should not go near SW6 in these successful but equally as volatile times under the Abramovich era.

If he was to come to Chelsea as a coach, he would not have the normal life most coaching staff enjoy. Such a cult hero, he will be under the microscope by the media and his every move will be monitored. Depending on who the manager is next season, Zola’s name could even overshadow his boss’s.

Whoever the manager will be is another argument against bringing Zola in. It is looking likely that Ancelotti will sadly leave and many new managers like to bring their own coaching teams in. Of course that has not stopped Abramovich before after he sacked assistant manager Ray Wilkins earlier this season. But if he insists on Zola’s involvement it might upset whoever he brings in to the hot seat and that will cause unrest in the dressing room before next season even starts.

Zola of course may have other ideas about his own future. When manager at West Ham, Zola politely acknowledged the worship he received when he took the Hammers to Stamford Bridge and got on with his job. He may want to continue his managerial career and could see a coaching role, albeit a romantic one at Chelsea, as a backward step.

If he is to get another managerial job, for the time being it should be nowhere near Chelsea. Abamovich has been quick to get rid of the success and charisma of Mourinho and looks set to do the same to the honest and respectful Ancelotti. Why would the lovable Zola be any different?

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