Gianfranco Zola promised to deliver thrilling soccer to West Ham after signing a three-year deal on Thursday to manage the Premier League club.
The former Chelsea star acknowledged he lacks managerial experience but will make up for it with his vast soccer background.
“Football is joy,” Zola said at a news conference, flashing a wide grin. “I truly believe that the best part of the game comes when you are enjoying what you are doing. It is my philosophy to play offensive football if I can because I trust it. What we will need to do is make it enjoyable first for the players themselves and then the club. We will need to be a balanced team.”
PHOTO: AP
The 42-year-old former Italy playmaker became the first foreign boss in West Ham’s history after replacing Alan Curbishley, who resigned last week.
Curbishley claimed his position had been undermined because the club made decisions without involving him. Zola said he would have no problem consulting Gianluca Nani, the club’s director of football, and the board over transfer deals.
“If there’s something to be done we will do it together, consider players and then decide whether we need to buy somebody or sell somebody,” he said. “But they will be working with me, not against me.”
Pressed on who would have the final say, Zola replied simply: “Me.”
He is leaving his job as joint coach of Italy’s under-21 team to take his first senior managerial job.
“I know I’m not the most experienced manager around,” Zola said. “I’ve got ideas, I’ve been in football for 20 years in the center so I know what we’re talking about.”
Zola was one of Chelsea’s most popular players during seven seasons at the Hammers’ London rivals.
“I will never forget my first seven years with Chelsea,” he said. “I hope that my next few years will be as successful as the first seven, that’s my aim. People have to understand that’s my job and I will do everything I can do to make it work.”
Chelsea captain John Terry had told the British media he hoped Zola would coach at Stamford Bridge one day, but the Hammers’ new boss said he did not view West Ham as a stepping stone to a bigger club.
“John Terry is a friend, I called him before he said that,” Zola joked. “He was very kind but I’m totally focused on what I’m doing.”
While the club hasn’t handed Zola a specific target, he is already eyeing a spot among the top four in the league.
“This club is ambitious,” he said “They want to improve on their position from last year and then we will see. I am ambitious too. It’s important to have a dream like the Champions League, even if it is a very high one.”
While some fans have derided Zola as being too inexperienced, West Ham chief executive Scott Duxbury was certain the club had found the right man.
“We talked at length about football and there was no other choice,” he said. “His philosophy fits perfectly with what this club is trying to achieve. The interview was so impressive it was quite clear who we needed and who we wanted.”
Kevin Keen will remain in temporary charge for today’s match at West Bromwich. Zola said he would watch the game from the stands and study video tapes before starting work on Monday.
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