Chelsea parting company with Maurizio Sarri was a mistake, Gianfranco Zola has suggested.
The Italian tactician was appointed head coach less than a year ago, succeeding compatriot Antonio Conte who won the Premier League title and FA Cup in his two years at the club.
And despite guiding the Blues to a third-place finish as well as winning the Europa League last season, Sarri opted to depart west London and has since been named head coach at Juventus.
Frank Lampard was named as his replacement last week in a move which is set to bring the feel-good factor back to Stamford Bridge.
However, Zola - who has not been retained on the coaching staff - believes the west London outfit were just about to see Sarri's long-term vision come to fruition.
"Yes, very much," Zola told talkSPORT when asked if he wanted to stay on. "I think the best of Maurizio’s work comes not in the first year but more from the second year onwards.
"Looking at the way he works, it takes a little bit of time to put in place what he wants to do and also he is very demanding on the players.
"But, after the players get used to it, they get better and better and the work becomes more effective.
"It’s a pity, because I think it would have been good for the club if Maurizio stayed and it would have been good for Maurizio as well."
Given Zola's ties to Chelsea, leaving for a second time in his career has obviously been tough, but he insists he respects the decision of Lampard and the club.
"Obviously it’s painful because you’re in a place where you like to be and it means a lot to you," he added.
"Of course, it’s always painful, but we have to be professional and I think Chelsea are looking forward, they made other choices and I respect them, I have no problem with that."
