Zola leaves Chelsea as Lampard brings in new backroom team

Gianfranco Zola has left his role as assistant first-team coach at Chelsea following Frank Lampard’s arrival as manager.

Lampard, 41, has joined on a three-year deal and brought in his own backroom team, which includes West Londoners Jody Morris and Eddie Newton.

Zola, 52, like Lampard a revered figure at Stamford Bridge, returned to the club last July as part of Maurizio Sarri’s backroom team and was a key figure as as Chelsea won the Europa League and finished third in the Premier League.

A club statement said: “Everybody at Chelsea would like to thank Gianfranco for his contribution to a successful season at the Bridge and we wish him the very best of luck in the next chapter of his career.

“He will of course always be welcome back.”