Zola: I know nothing about Chelsea talk

Gianfranco Zola has said he is in the dark about speculation that he could return to Chelsea as assistant to Maurizio Sarri next season.

With uncertainty continuing to surround Antonio Conte’s future at Stamford Bridge, Napoli coach Sarri has emerged as a potential contender for the Blues job.

But ex-Chelsea player Zola, who resigned as Birmingham manager after an unsuccessful spell last season, told La Gazzetta dello Sport he did not know anything about the reports.

“One week there is and one week there isn’t something linking me with Chelsea,” he said.

“But I know nothing about this hypothesis. Besides, after Birmingham I’ve taken a year out.”

Sarri has led Napoli to the top of Serie A, and Zola said he admired the style of football they play.

“Napoli play like clockwork,” he said. “They have tactics and moves which you can do little to defend against.

“The way they play the ball around reminds me of Maradona and Careca and the Napoli of my playing days.

“I think this is the year for them to win the Scudetto. Napoli can win it this season, and they would deserve it.”