Gianfranco Zola interested in 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 today 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 that I wouldn't want the job, but I don't think there are the right conditions in place for that," Zola told Gazzetta dello Sport.

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

Zola left Stamford Bridge in 2003 and later spent two years at West Ham in his first - and only - club managerial post before leaving in 2010.

PA