Zola dreams of being Blues boss

Gianfranco Zola believes his experiences at Watford will aid him in his quest to land the Chelsea job at some point in the future.

The Italian spent seven memorable years at Stamford Bridge during his playing days, with his impact such that his number 25 jersey was retired by the club as a mark of respect.

He would like nothing more than to make an emotional return to west London in a coaching capacity, but appreciates he is not yet ready to take such a giant leap.

Having cut his managerial teeth at West Ham, Zola is currently overseeing events at Championship outfit Watford.

Working with ambitious owners at a club aiming at the Premier League can only be beneficial to him, though, and the 46-year-old hopes that one day he will be offered an opportunity to enhance his legend status at Chelsea.

“I have been dreaming of becoming a good manager, one who can lead a team like Chelsea,” Zola told France Football.

“I work really hard for it. I do not know if I will (manage Chelsea). I think I have the abilities but I do not think I am good enough yet.

“It is only my second coaching experience in a club after West Ham. I still have a lot to do. This is the best place I could have found to develop as a coach.”

Meanwhile, Chelsea suffered a significant blow yesterday after midfielder Oriol Romeu was all but ruled out for the rest of the season.

The European champions announced Romeu was expected to be out for six months after undergoing anterior cruciate reconstruction surgery and medial meniscus repair yesterday on the knee he injured in the early stages of Saturday’s Premier League win at Sunderland.

The loss of the 21-year-old leaves Chelsea short in central midfield as John Obi Mikel is in the midst of a three-match domestic suspension while Michael Essien and Josh McEachran are out on loan.