Former West Ham manager returns to the Premier League
“For me it is an amazing thing. I am pleased to be here,” Zola told reporters.
Zola, who was sacked as West Ham manager in May 2010 has joined Chelsea’s pre-season tour of Australia. Fellow Italian Sarri was appointed Chelsea boss last week after fellow compatriot Antonio Conte was sacked despite winning the Premier League title in 2016-17 and FA Cup in 2017-18.
“It would be great to be successful with Maurizio and for the club and I will give my best, as I did in the past as a player, I am very much looking forward to the challenge in general. I would love us to start well and we are all very excited to start this new adventure.”
Zola was appointed as West Ham United’s first overseas-born manager in September 2008. Unfortunately, the 2009/10 season did not go so well, with the Hammers winning just eight Premier League matches to finish 17th in the table with 35 points. West Ham Games Managed 80 Games Won 23 Games Drawn 21 Games Lost 36 Win Percentage 28.75%.