Source: Northern_Echo
Zenden has sympathy for former team-mate Zola
SUNDERLAND winger Bolo Zenden has stepped in to defend former team-mate Gianfranco Zola from the flak that is threatening to oust the West Ham boss from his post.[LNB] The Italian has endured a turbulent season in charge of West Ham but Zenden backed his one-time Chelsea colleague to emerge from this turbulent period an even stronger character.[LNB] Nevertheless, his affection for Zola won't stop the Sunderland winger from attempting to gun down the under-fire boss when the Wearsiders face fourth-bottom Hammers this afternoon.[LNB] A run of six straight defeats led to reports that Zola was on his way before a battling draw at Everton last Sunday afforded him some breathing space as he bids to drag his side away from the relegation zone.[LNB] Victory for Sunderland this afternoon would, however, put him firmly back in the firing line.[LNB] It has been a baptism of fire for him, noted the Dutchman who scored the second goal of his Sunderland career against Spurs last Saturday.[LNB] West Ham is a special club with a great history. The fans are on top of them and it often looks harder for them to play at home than away. If results are good the players get credit and if results are bad it's down to the manager.[LNB] That is how it goes, unfortunately.[LNB] Gianfranco is a very intelligent man and knows this more than anyone.'' He added: I played with him at Chelsea and I have quite a lot of sympathy for his predicament. Gianfranco was a very positive character and a very good guy. He was a great professional which is probably why he played on for so long at the highest level.[LNB] I saw him do some fantastic things in training and during games. He was a pleasure to be around. As a manager he will be the same. He will be trying to sort out everything for the players. He hasn't got the results yet which is frustrating for him.[LNB] I am not suggesting he will be doubting himself but pouring his heart into the job and not getting the results will be tough for a man like Gianfranco.[LNB] You maybe start to run out of ideas.[LNB] I'd like to see him do well and stay in his job. But none of that will stop us from going down there to try and win the game. That is the way sport is.[LNB] I hope he survives the relegation battle but we want the three points.[LNB] Zenden admitted he may be tempted to follow Zola into a coaching role when he finally hangs up his boots and claims he wouldn't be deterred by the pressure that comes with managing a top flight club.[LNB] Seeing what he is going through hasn't put me off considering going into coaching,'' he said. I've had a manager who said to me you are only a real manager if you get sacked once! It's probably something that happens to everyone but hopefully not to Gianfranco this season.[LNB] The hardest thing is coming to the end of the season and not having anything to play for. I am looking upwards to tenth spot. That would be an achievement.[LNB] As former Chelsea player it would be nice to help Chelsea win the title if we can take points off Man United next month in our last home game.[LNB] It might be the one that decides their season.[LNB]
