Zola in the running for Chelsea job

Gianfranco Zola has expressed his interest in becoming Chelsea manager, but concedes it is unlikely.

The Blues have improved under the guidance of interim coach Roberto Di Matteo, reaching the semi-finals of the Champions League.

But while support for Di Matteo’s appointment on a permanent basis is growing, his future at Stamford Bridge remains in doubt.

Owner Roman Abramovich is sure to favour a bigger name with Pep Guardiola, Laurent Blanc and Didier Deschamps linked with the post.

And yesterday Zola, who spent seven years at Chelsea, threw his hat into the ring — while acknowledging the job done by Di Matteo. “Chelsea? I’d be a hypocrite if I said I wouldn’t want the job, but I don’t think the right conditions are in place for that,” Zola said.

“As a Chelsea fan I always want the team to be in the best possible hands, as they are with Roberto Di Matteo.”

Meanwhile Branislav Ivanovic has appealed against a charge of violent conduct after an incident in Saturday’s win over Wigan at Stamford Bridge.

Ivanovic, 28, was caught on video appearing to strike Latics midfielder Shaun Maloney in the midriff moments before Juan Mata’s controversial winner in the Blues’ 2-1 Premier League victory. Referee Mike Jones and his assistants did not witness the incident, giving the FA the green light to investigate it retrospectively. It is understood Ivanovic accepts there was contact, but denies that it was violent.