Zola on the pressure on Higuain, Moses, Morata move and some surprising news on Loftus-Cheek
Chelsea assistant boss Gianfranco Zola spoke about a number of issues at a media conference ahead of the Blues’ FA Cup game against Sheffield Wednesday. Here’s some of what the Italian had to say.
On his hopes for new signing Gonzalo Higuain
“He’s a player who can score in many ways so we hope that he can bring his qualities to this team – at this moment it is very much necessary.
“He’s coming late, but he’s coming in a team that plays a system he knows very well, so this is a big advantage.
“Here there are the type of players who will help him to do what he can do best. The conditions are good.”
On the pressure on Higuain to deliver
“I’m sure there are a lot of expectations, but Gonzalo is used to it.
“He’s played for big clubs like Real Madrid, Juventus and Napoli so I am sure he can handle these expectations. He’s always produced good numbers wherever he has been.
“This is not a team that is desperate. It’s a team that needs to add certain qualities to what it has already.
“We’re going to help Higuain to get his goals but also he will help the team.”
On Maurizio Sarri’s recent criticism of the players
“Sometimes the criticism is not necessarily a negative thing. We don’t question that these players can achieve peak performances, like they did (against Tottenham).
“What we’re trying to achieve here is consistency in performances, because it’s the nature of the league.
“You can’t afford to play two games well and one game less good. The top teams are pushing.”
On the search for Cesc Fabregas’ replacement
“I’m not in a position where I can say more about that. It’s something that we are talking with the club about.
“It’s certainly an area where we could do (with a signing). It could be a problem if we have an injury.
“There is a good understanding between Maurizio and Marina (Granovskaia, Chelsea director). I’m sure they are talking about it.”
On Alvaro Morata’s expected move to Atletico Madrid
“I don’t have updates on that so I can’t give you an indication. There is an interest, I know that, and I know they are working on that.”
On Ruben Loftus-Cheek
“Ruben has been back in training with us today. He’s been progressing and, honestly, it’s been a surprise – I thought it would have been a little bit longer.
“I think we’re going to make a decision on whether he’s in contention or not, but he looks good.”
On Victor Moses joining Fenerbahce
“It’s a pity because he’s a wonderful professional.”
On telling Chelsea players to crouch down during the penalty shootout against Spurs
“The supporters next to the bench couldn’t see. I know what it’s like because I’ve always had taller players in front of me and I always had to ask them to bend down!
“I did ask the players and a couple of others to bend down because there were a couple of kids that couldn’t see the penalties.”
