After a positive start to the season, many Chelsea fans were surprised at the abrupt departure of Mauricio Pochettino as manager in recent weeks.
The appointment of Pochettino was a contentious one to begin with, due to his previous stint at rivals Tottenham Hotspur, and the reception towards the Argentine remained frosty after a poor start to the season for the club.
However, their domestic form improved dramatically in the second half of the season, with Chelsea ultimately making a late (and unsuccessful) charge for the Champions League places.
Chelsea are now preparing for next season to include a Conference League drive - though they will have to do so without Pochettino, after his unexpected departure in late May.
The sudden announcement came just two days after the conclusion of the Premier League season, with Chelsea's statement saying the decision to part ways was "mutual."
Their decision to appoint Leicester City manager Enzo Maresca as Pochettino's replacement has raised a few eyebrows. Chelsea legend Gianfranco Zola, for one, has doubts about such an unproven coach taking charge at such a big club.
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Gianfranco Zola shares doubts on Enzo Maresca's Chelsea appointment
Gianfranco Zola spoke exclusively to Ladbrokes 1-2-Free this week and gave his thoughts on the state of play for his former club at Stamford Bridge.
Though the Italian shared his congratulations to compatriot Maresca for earning the Chelsea job, he said that he doubted whether the appointment of a coach who has never managed a top-tier team will ultimately be a success for Chelsea.
Zola revealed that he had been "expecting" a more high-profile appointment than Maresca after Pochettino's abrupt exit.
Enzo Maresca has a big job to do. He will need to get the players behind him to do what he wants to do. He will need to get the supporters behind him. It will be a big task.
I saw Leicester play and I was impressed by the way he got them playing so I know he has abilities and on top of that he is Italian so that is a plus!
I was surprised by his appointment. Firstly, I didn’t think Pochettino would leave but also because he was a name we didn’t know was there. Don’t get me wrong, I recognise his abilities, but we were expecting somebody more experienced or high profile.
I think we wait and see how he handles a team like Chelsea where big expectations come with it.
Those expectations would undoubtedly have been bigger had Pochettino still in place, with Chelsea now set for their third rebuild in as many seasons.
After the disappointing reign of Graham Potter, and the disastrous interim return of Frank Lampard, Chelsea fans will be desperate for some stability.
Despite the doubts surrounding Maresca, Gianfranco Zola still thinks Chelsea can aim high and hope to earn a Champions League spot next season.
Success for Chelsea next season would be to get a Champions League spot. We came close this year so if we can manage to do that, I think we can say it has been a very good season.
Considering that the competition now has become incredibly strong with Man City, Liverpool, and now Arsenal coming very strong, it is tough.
A Champions League spot for us will be a fantastic achievement. The standard is now very high so Chelsea will have a lot of ground to cover to be on their level and challenge for the title. There is a lot of work to do.
Gianfranco Zola was speaking exclusively to Ladbrokes 1-2-Free
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