Incoming Chelsea coach Antonio Conte should be
considered as good as Jose Mourinho and Pep
Guardiola, according to Gianfranco Zola.
Conte will take over from interim coach Guus Hiddink
after stepping down as Italy boss in the summer. The
Italian led Juventus to three-straight Serie A titles and
Chelsea legend Zola, who played over 250 times for
the club between 1996 and 2003, insists he is one of
the best managers around.
"He's done so well in Italy that he has to be
considered the same level as Guardiola and Mourinho,"
Zola told the BBC. "He has not won as much
internationally but he is a good coach with a strong
personality. I'm sure he will bring a lot to Chelsea."
After dismally failing to defend their Premier League
title this season, there will be no Champions League
football on offer for the Blues next season. But Zola
believes that, while it may be hard to recruit big
names, Conte will thrive with the pressure off.
"Antonio as a coach is very disciplined, he demands a
lot from the side no matter who you are and also
tactically he works a lot," he added.
"There might be a problem bringing big players
because playing in the Champions League is a big
issue, but that actually could be an advantage because
there won't be as much pressure on him. He will do
well with Chelsea, I am sure."
