Source: Daily_Mail
Gianfranco Zola set to spark Chelsea revival in return to Stamford Bridge
ShareGianfranco Zola is reportedly set to make an astonishing return to Chelsea with the Blues legend ready to revamp the Stamford Bridge club's backroom set-up this summer.[LNB]Uncertainty surrounds the future of last season's double-winning boss Carlo Ancelotti after his failure to guide to club to success this term and former caretaker boss Guus Hiddink, who guided Chelsea to FA Cup success in 2009, is the leading candidate to succeed him.[LNB]Blues owner Roman Abramovich is understood to be keen on shaking things up during the close-season, starting with the appointment of the club's all-time favourite player Zola as first team coach.[LNB] All change: Former West ham boss Gianfranco Zola i set to join Chelsea's backroom set-up as Carlo Ancelotti fights for his job as manager[LNB]The 44-year-old has been old out work since he was sacked as West Ham manager at the end of last season, despite keeping them in the Barclays Premier League.[LNB]But Zola, who is understood to have received a host of managerial posts since his Upton Park exit, is ready to revive his coaching career after his first job in management with the Hammers turned so sour.[LNB]Chelsea is said to be considered the perfect place to get himself back on track, having topped a fans poll in 2003 as the club's most popular ever player.[LNB]But the Italian, who enjoyed seven years in west London following his 1996 move from Serie A side Parma, will not a be a direct replacement for his under-fire counterpart Ancelotti, however.[LNB] On the ball: Since his axe at Upton Park last season, Blues legend Zola has been out of employment[LNB]Zola was at Old Trafford on Sunday to see Chelsea's hopes of retaining the championship crumble as the Blues fell to a season-shattering 2-1 defeat to league leaders Manchester United, who are almost assured their record 19th title.[LNB]While it remains unclear what fate awaits Ancelotti, the former AC Milan coach is keen to stay in charge of Chelsea despite the lingering threat of Turkey boss Hiddink returning to replace him.[LNB]Abramovich could have other plans, however, as he prepares to introduce wholesale changes this summer to transform the club into a major European force that can finally realise his dream of winning the Champions League.[LNB] End of days: Didier Drogba could be moved on this summer, with only a year remaining on his current Stamford Bridge deal[LNB]The Russian billionaire, who spent a British record ?50million on Fernando Torres in January, could bankroll another huge spending spree.[LNB]A host of Chelsea's aging squad have little to run on their contracts. Didier Drogba, Nicola Anelka, Jose Bosingwa have a year left on their current deal while Paulo Ferreira, John Obi Mikel, Florent Malouda and Michael Essien could all be up for sale this summer.[LNB]Anderlecht teen sensation Romelu Lakaku, Brazil wonderkid Neymar and Real Madrid playmaker Kaka are all serious transfer targets for Chelsea in what could be a new look team, both on and off the field.[LNB] That's my Lotti! Carlo admits it could be curtains at Chelsea after title failureTerry turmoil as Chelsea skipper can't explain early mauling at Man UnitedJust champion! The title is ours - we won't slip up, roars FergieAll the latest Chelsea news, features and opinion [LNB] Explore more:People: Jose Bosingwa, Gianfranco Zola, Michael Essien, Didier Drogba, Roman Abramovich, Carlo Ancelotti Places: London, Turkey, Brazil
