Maurizio Sarri accepts Chelseas request to install Gianfranco Zola as assistant
Maurizio Sarri did not request for Gianfranco Zola to be on his backroom staff, according to reports.
The former Napoli boss is finally expected to be named as Chelseas new manager this week once Antonio Conte is fired.
Sarri agreed personal terms with Chelsea weeks ago, but the club have stalled on axing Conte as they negotiated with Napoli.
More: Football
Chelsea are now set to appoint Sarri after agreeing to pay Napoli £3.5million in compensation.
The Times claim Sarri is free to appoint his own backroom staff after accepting the clubs request to install Blues legend Zola as his assistant.
Zola is admired greatly at the club, but his managerial career has yet to take off after largely unsuccessful spells at West Ham, Watford, Cagliari, Al-Arabi and most recently Birmingham City.
Chelsea are expected to dismiss Contes backroom staff, which will allow Sarri to bring in his own coaches.
Advertisement Advertisement
Conte has seen his stock plummet in the year after winning the Premier League in his first season at the club.
The Italian continually hit out at Chelseas transfer policy and has fallen out with most of the clubs hierarchy and several high profile players.
Eden Hazard has hinted he will refuse to sign a new contract if Conte remains in charge, and Chelsea are desperate to move the coach out of the club.
With uncertainty surrounding the club, Chelsea have seen their transfer targets demand clarity before signing for the club.
Chelsea fans will be hopeful the appointment of a new manager will kick start a productive transfer window for the club after a bitterly disappointing league campaign.
MORE: Chelsea aiming to appoint Maurizio Sarri and sack Antonio Conte this week
MORE: Chelsea stars fearing Eden Hazard will quit for Real Madrid this summer
More: Football
Advertisement Advertisement
[contf]
[contfnew]
METRO
[contfnewc]
[contfnewc]
