Zola: Maradona would have scored more today
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Chelsea legend Gianfranco Zola enjoyed a charmed career full of moments of unforgettable skill and elegance as he weaved his way across Europe and into fans’ hearts. And yet, despite all the titles and accolades - including the UEFA Super Cup, UEFA Cup, FA Cup, and silver at the 1994 FIFA World Cup™ - one of the Italian’s highlights remains having featured in Napoli’s 1989/90 Serie A title-winning squad alongside Diego Maradona.
The former West Ham United and current Al Arabi manager spoke to www.sc.qa about the Maradona-Messi debate, his unfulfilled Chelsea dream and the current blues hanging over Stamford Bridge.
“I think it is unfair to compare Maradona and Messi because they are from different eras," Zola said. “Both are extraordinary players and I learned my football watching Maradona play. He is my master and mentor, and therefore I have an empathy towards him.
“Maradona had it tougher than Messi. There were two players always marking him and their only duty was to take him out of the game. Yes, modern defenders mark Messi, but these days the game is more attacking in nature and defenders focus on playing their own game rather than focus on one player alone. I think Maradona would have scored much more goals if he were a modern player.”
If Mexico 1986 helped Maradona etch his name into football's pantheon, Zola is hopeful the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar will produce new icons and inspire fans across the world. “There is genuine passion for the sport in the Middle East and I had not expected this when I came here,” he said. “Every day I see a lot of wonderful things happening in preparation for the big event. Doha is already a great city and I think in four or five years this is going to be an extraordinary place to be in. The World Cup will be massive.”
Maradona had it tougher than Messi. There were two players always marking him and their only duty was to take him out of the game.
Al Arabi manager Gianfranco Zola
While many retired players look to the past to relive their greatest moments, the diminutive Italian hopes to one day return to the club at which he made 229 appearances, and help lead it to further glory. To date, no player has worn Chelsea's No25 shirt since Zola did so proudly between 1996 and 2003.

“My dream, let us say my ambition, is to be Chelsea manager someday,” the 49-year-old said. “I realise that I need to improve as a manager if I want to get there. And I am working hard to achieve my goal.”

Despite the current crisis of confidence at the Bridge, Zola believes that the Jose Mourinho-led defending Premier League champions will recover from a difficult start to the season in which, after just 12 matches, they sit uncomfortably in 16th place, already 15 points adrift of the leaders and close to the bottom.
“There is no one compelling reason for the poor start to the season,” Zola said. “The poor form of key offensive players Eden Hazard and Diego Costa has not helped. Defensively as well the team dropped the standards set last year. So the players have lost confidence as a group and this has led to poor results. The club has it in them to turn around their fortunes."
Since being appointed Al Arabi coach in July, the Italian has turned heads in the region by transforming the Qatar Stars League outfit into a team playing attractive attacking football in his own image. In the process he has brought the club’s fans back to the stadium in search of a first league win since 1997.

“I try to make my side play football in the way I want to see the game played," he said. "I have made a small start with Al Arabi and I am confident the results will be seen in the near future."