Watford boss Gianfranco Zola insists speculation surrounding the Chelsea job won't be a distraction
3:10pm Tuesday 22nd January 2013 in Latest Sport
Gianfranco Zola says he is keen to repay Watford
Gianfranco Zola insists speculation linking him with the Chelsea job will not be a distraction and says he is keen to 'repay' Watford for choosing him as head coach.
Zola was again linked with the Chelsea manager's job on Friday, this time by the Daily Mirror's Martin Lipton.
When asked about the Chelsea job after Saturday's match, Zola replied: "It won’t be a distraction. Obviously I am flattered that there is interest in me, I don't know whether it is true or not. I am a young manager and it means that my job over here has been appreciated. But they won’t take anything from me in terms of attention, focus and determination to do well for this club.
"I have found the perfect conditions here to build myself as a manager and I want to repay them until the end for the fact that they chose me."
Zola played more than 300 matches for Chelsea and was named FWA Footballer of the Year in 1997 and the Blues' greatest ever player in 2003.
Comments(63)
DouglasRinaldi the better Brazilian
says...
3:22pm Tue 22 Jan 13
Vegetable XI:
Caugette
Cauliflower
Cabbage
Carrot
Aubergine
Potato
Lettuce
Pumpkin
Green Pepper
Red Pepper
Yellow Pepper (devastating front 3)
Subs:
Parsnip
Leek
Onion
Eggplant
Cucumber
Rhubarb
Chive
Manager: King Edward
Assistant Manager: Aunt Bessie
Goalkeeping Coach: Wallace
Fitness Coach: Gromit
Boosey
says...
3:26pm Tue 22 Jan 13
GianlucaVialli the better italian
says...
3:30pm Tue 22 Jan 13
DouglasRinaldi the better Brazilian
says...
3:34pm Tue 22 Jan 13
GianlucaVialli the better italian wrote:You're no Jamie Oliver, the pumpkin is indeed a vegetable.
I hate to break it to you but a pumpkin is a fruit. You've had a shocker there.
lutondown
says...
3:37pm Tue 22 Jan 13
Boosey wrote:Agree. We've got to get use to the fact success brings sensationalist press. I take it as a compliment.
If he has found the perfect conditions there is no need to go anywhere else. The trust he has with his superiors works both ways, he's working with top top coaches and the players and supporters love and respect him, perfect apart from the East Stand!
GianlucaVialli the better italian
says...
3:39pm Tue 22 Jan 13
DouglasRinaldi the better Brazilian wrote:Actually they call me 'Vialli the better naked chef', and according to reliable Wikipedia a pumpkin is a fruit.
GianlucaVialli the better italian wrote:You're no Jamie Oliver, the pumpkin is indeed a vegetable.
I hate to break it to you but a pumpkin is a fruit. You've had a shocker there.
lutondown
says...
3:40pm Tue 22 Jan 13
DouglasRinaldi the better Brazilian wrote:Good to see your keeping that Welsh international on the bench. I do hope the team will run out to Californication by the Red hot chilli Peppers. Thought the turnip would have made a better boss or have you been swayed by the odious Jeff Powell?
It's been much anticipated, but here it is:
Vegetable XI:
Caugette
Cauliflower
Cabbage
Carrot
Aubergine
Potato
Lettuce
Pumpkin
Green Pepper
Red Pepper
Yellow Pepper (devastating front 3)
Subs:
Parsnip
Leek
Onion
Eggplant
Cucumber
Rhubarb
Chive
Manager: King Edward
Assistant Manager: Aunt Bessie
Goalkeeping Coach: Wallace
Fitness Coach: Gromit
Boosey
says...
3:42pm Tue 22 Jan 13
DouglasRinaldi the better Brazilian wrote:Not exactly vegetables but if anyone else has some additions. . .Prince Bourbon, Sean Curry, Conner granny Smith,Forestieri Gateaux, mark Yeast, Jonathan Hog Roast, Koi Deeney and paper Doyley. I have too much time on my hands!
It's been much anticipated, but here it is: Vegetable XI: Caugette Cauliflower Cabbage Carrot Aubergine Potato Lettuce Pumpkin Green Pepper Red Pepper Yellow Pepper (devastating front 3) Subs: Parsnip Leek Onion Eggplant Cucumber Rhubarb Chive Manager: King Edward Assistant Manager: Aunt Bessie Goalkeeping Coach: Wallace Fitness Coach: Gromit
Oracledave
says...
3:59pm Tue 22 Jan 13
" Dobbin was a happy soul eating grass in his field by the sea
Then the man from Tesco turned up at the gate now he's buy one get one free"
scottwfc
says...
4:06pm Tue 22 Jan 13
lutondown wrote:Aubergine and Eggplant are the same vegetable as well. Its just that the Americans can't cope with words like Aubergine, so they call it an eggplant instead.
DouglasRinaldi the better Brazilian wrote: It's been much anticipated, but here it is: Vegetable XI: Caugette Cauliflower Cabbage Carrot Aubergine Potato Lettuce Pumpkin Green Pepper Red Pepper Yellow Pepper (devastating front 3) Subs: Parsnip Leek Onion Eggplant Cucumber Rhubarb Chive Manager: King Edward Assistant Manager: Aunt Bessie Goalkeeping Coach: Wallace Fitness Coach: GromitGood to see your keeping that Welsh international on the bench. I do hope the team will run out to Californication by the Red hot chilli Peppers. Thought the turnip would have made a better boss or have you been swayed by the odious Jeff Powell?
jasonwatford
says...
4:10pm Tue 22 Jan 13
s be aving you
andyhooked
says...
4:10pm Tue 22 Jan 13
DouglasRinaldi the better Brazilian
says...
4:12pm Tue 22 Jan 13
scottwfc wrote:Apologies, I appear to have posted on a page full of culinary experts and may have to move onto fish or something less ambiguous.
lutondown wrote:Aubergine and Eggplant are the same vegetable as well. Its just that the Americans can't cope with words like Aubergine, so they call it an eggplant instead.
DouglasRinaldi the better Brazilian wrote: It's been much anticipated, but here it is: Vegetable XI: Caugette Cauliflower Cabbage Carrot Aubergine Potato Lettuce Pumpkin Green Pepper Red Pepper Yellow Pepper (devastating front 3) Subs: Parsnip Leek Onion Eggplant Cucumber Rhubarb Chive Manager: King Edward Assistant Manager: Aunt Bessie Goalkeeping Coach: Wallace Fitness Coach: GromitGood to see your keeping that Welsh international on the bench. I do hope the team will run out to Californication by the Red hot chilli Peppers. Thought the turnip would have made a better boss or have you been swayed by the odious Jeff Powell?
Boosey
says...
4:21pm Tue 22 Jan 13
DouglasRinaldi the better Brazilian wrote:A chive is not a vegetable either but who cares? It's light hearted and puts a smile on peoples faces.
scottwfc wrote:Apologies, I appear to have posted on a page full of culinary experts and may have to move onto fish or something less ambiguous.lutondown wrote:Aubergine and Eggplant are the same vegetable as well. Its just that the Americans can't cope with words like Aubergine, so they call it an eggplant instead.DouglasRinaldi the better Brazilian wrote: It's been much anticipated, but here it is: Vegetable XI: Caugette Cauliflower Cabbage Carrot Aubergine Potato Lettuce Pumpkin Green Pepper Red Pepper Yellow Pepper (devastating front 3) Subs: Parsnip Leek Onion Eggplant Cucumber Rhubarb Chive Manager: King Edward Assistant Manager: Aunt Bessie Goalkeeping Coach: Wallace Fitness Coach: GromitGood to see your keeping that Welsh international on the bench. I do hope the team will run out to Californication by the Red hot chilli Peppers. Thought the turnip would have made a better boss or have you been swayed by the odious Jeff Powell?
Some people on here need to lighten up!
HemelHornet
says...
4:34pm Tue 22 Jan 13
Holly68
says...
4:41pm Tue 22 Jan 13
gilesy97
says...
4:52pm Tue 22 Jan 13
Holly68 wrote:Bit soon to be calling him "great" ....but I agree with the rest. He's still very much on the learning curve .......time will tell.
Great Manager and Lovely Family, very humble and modest
Boosey
says...
4:52pm Tue 22 Jan 13
Out of curiosity I'd have to see for myself what it would be like.
gloryhornet4
says...
5:02pm Tue 22 Jan 13
Holly68 wrote:P155ed off with Chelsea buying their trophies and all the other parasites that but for the rich mens toys that clubs have become buying premier division places I think WFC would have had a few more seasons in the top flight. Would have been nice playing Chelsea in the FA Cup without their dosh, same for Man C. As sung from the terraces at Etihad "Where were you when you were sh1t" says it all.
Great Manager and Lovely Family, very humble and modest
Anyway it would be another insult to poach our boss.
Now WFC are a rich man's play thing, but only making up lost ground for WHam QPR Chelsea ManC NU among others in smaller doses.
If Zola does go (which I doubt) his diary will be free for 2014 onwards, as RA wants instant success - not going to happen.
buckler
says...
5:05pm Tue 22 Jan 13
hornet88
says...
5:05pm Tue 22 Jan 13
lutondown
says...
5:34pm Tue 22 Jan 13
gilesy97 wrote:Great manager.
Holly68 wrote:Bit soon to be calling him "great" ....but I agree with the rest. He's still very much on the learning curve .......time will tell.
Great Manager and Lovely Family, very humble and modest
mickallen57
says...
5:45pm Tue 22 Jan 13
I agree it is just sloppy paper talk but they have to fill their pages of waffle somehow.
The Pozzo family are it seems willing to give GFZ space and time to achieve their aims .No one cuts the mustard quite like Roman for the order of the boot,but lets not fool ourselves that the Pozzos aren't results based too.
Although loyalty in football is as rare as an English flag draped on Sir Alexs' wall,I believe that their is a good measure of it here.As I hope GFZ pushes us to the Prem more chairman will be courting his services,but I trust our owners will convince him to stay or if not bring in a better man. They have been true to their word with the players I am sure they would with the manager,
Why am I speculating on a rubbish artical ? must be bored COYH
lutondown
says...
5:47pm Tue 22 Jan 13
mickallen57 wrote:Agreed. Speculation. Roman wants instant success, GFZ has won nothing yet, hope that dismays him enough!
I am hoping that GFZ is in it for the long haul as are (I hope ) the Pozzo family.
I agree it is just sloppy paper talk but they have to fill their pages of waffle somehow.
The Pozzo family are it seems willing to give GFZ space and time to achieve their aims .No one cuts the mustard quite like Roman for the order of the boot,but lets not fool ourselves that the Pozzos aren't results based too.
Although loyalty in football is as rare as an English flag draped on Sir Alexs' wall,I believe that their is a good measure of it here.As I hope GFZ pushes us to the Prem more chairman will be courting his services,but I trust our owners will convince him to stay or if not bring in a better man. They have been true to their word with the players I am sure they would with the manager,
Why am I speculating on a rubbish artical ? must be bored COYH
D.unstable
says...
5:53pm Tue 22 Jan 13
GFZ has something to prove here after his West Ham failure (not that this was down to him). He has done nothing yet but is on the brink of greatness.
The Horns are going up and nobody likes us!!!!
WessexLad
says...
5:53pm Tue 22 Jan 13
HemelHornet wrote:I don't think he would take it now if it were offered, even for more money. He is happy here; we are more than happy with him, and he is learning his trade - and proving more than a few people wrong in the process.
Zola has a long history at Chelsea and he has previously said that he would love to manage there one day so i'm sure that if he was offered the job he would take it in an instant. However I really don't think Chelsea would be interested in him yet because he has very limited managerial experience compared to the managers that they have previously appointed. Let us also remember that Di Matio was an assistant that took over temp charge and was given the full time job due to peer pressure from the fans after the Champions League win.
I just hope Vydra takes the same view.
akureyri
says...
5:55pm Tue 22 Jan 13
DouglasRinaldi the better Brazilian wrote:Although it is treated like a vegetable the pumpkin, a member of the squash family, is the fruit of the species Cucurbita pepo or Cucurbita mixta. It can refer to a specific variety of the species Cucurbita maxima or Cucurbita moschata, which are all of the genus Cucurbita and the family Cucurbitaceae.
GianlucaVialli the better italian wrote: I hate to break it to you but a pumpkin is a fruit. You've had a shocker there.You're no Jamie Oliver, the pumpkin is indeed a vegetable.
DuffmanWFC
says...
5:57pm Tue 22 Jan 13
This is a cheap shot at our club from the Mirror to disable our chances of promotion!
The problem with Chelsea is they have binned three perfectly good managers in Mourinhio, Ancelotti and DiMatteo and subsequently have run out of options now Pep Guardiola has decided on B Munich!
No one knows what to do at that club and it won't supprise me if Benitez stays as they've ran out of options!
akureyri
says...
5:57pm Tue 22 Jan 13
lutondown
says...
5:57pm Tue 22 Jan 13
D.unstable wrote:Get them rolling Dusty, this time next year we'll be millionaires
Good man, and I believe him unlike a certain Mr Rogers.
GFZ has something to prove here after his West Ham failure (not that this was down to him). He has done nothing yet but is on the brink of greatness.
The Horns are going up and nobody likes us!!!!
DuffmanWFC
says...
5:59pm Tue 22 Jan 13
lutondown
says...
6:02pm Tue 22 Jan 13
DuffmanWFC wrote:No I want them top and happy with Benetiz!
For me I'd f'ing love Chelsea to finish fifth and win sod all as that would show that plank Abramovich that his axing ways of decent managers that win things is a mistake!
Poppet Bear
says...
6:03pm Tue 22 Jan 13
DuffmanWFC
says...
6:04pm Tue 22 Jan 13
Zola wouldn't touch that job at this current point.... In 5 years maybe, that's if we get promoted and stay in the Prem and maybe win a cup or two!
Then and only then could I see Chelsea knocking in his door! For me Chelsea only have Moyes as an option or Benitez?
DuffmanWFC
says...
6:06pm Tue 22 Jan 13
6:02pm Tue 22 Jan 13
DuffmanWFC wrote:
For me I'd f'ing love Chelsea to finish fifth and win sod all as that would show that plank Abramovich that his axing ways of decent managers that win things is a mistake!
No I want them top and happy with Benetiz!
Duffman says: yeah maybe your right LD but I don't see that happening!
mkhornet
says...
6:07pm Tue 22 Jan 13
Oracledave wrote:Tesco burgers were withdrawn because of their high Shergar content!
Not entirely related but a recent contribution from much underrated 80's poet Pam Ayres ( helps if you think of this in a broad west country accent)
" Dobbin was a happy soul eating grass in his field by the sea
Then the man from Tesco turned up at the gate now he's buy one get one free"
HunsburyHornet
says...
6:09pm Tue 22 Jan 13
lutondown
says...
6:12pm Tue 22 Jan 13
HunsburyHornet wrote:No, he's a proper cuecumber!
....and a final word on the Veggie team....drop Caugette, he's a liability. Bring in Courgette.
HunsburyHornet
says...
6:24pm Tue 22 Jan 13
Hampshire hornet
says...
6:33pm Tue 22 Jan 13
gloryhornet4
says...
6:40pm Tue 22 Jan 13
DuffmanWFC wrote:RA sh1ts money and could not care less how much he spends on comp for loss of office etc.
lutondown says...
6:02pm Tue 22 Jan 13
DuffmanWFC wrote:
For me I'd f'ing love Chelsea to finish fifth and win sod all as that would show that plank Abramovich that his axing ways of decent managers that win things is a mistake!
No I want them top and happy with Benetiz!
Duffman says: yeah maybe your right LD but I don't see that happening!
Hope the cost comes in to the figures for the fair play rules.
GianlucaVialli the better italian
says...
6:40pm Tue 22 Jan 13
HunsburyHornet
says...
6:43pm Tue 22 Jan 13
Hampshire hornet wrote:Yeah, that'll make 'em difficult to beet !
Could do with some Scandanavian flair in the team.. Sign up Swede
Hopemole
says...
7:02pm Tue 22 Jan 13
Oracledave
says...
7:32pm Tue 22 Jan 13
andyhooked wrote:True, but the temptation of the Prem plus £2M p.a. and big pay off when sacked ???
Deeney has more horse power than a Tesco burger Oracledave. I consider GFZ to be a man of honour and given the Pozzos contribution he knows where we are going. A Chelsea manager only knows one way. The exit door if you do not win everything in sight and pla the owners my signings.
Oracledave
says...
7:35pm Tue 22 Jan 13
mkhornet wrote:Yeh, and they also give you the trots apparantly !
Oracledave wrote:Tesco burgers were withdrawn because of their high Shergar content!
Not entirely related but a recent contribution from much underrated 80's poet Pam Ayres ( helps if you think of this in a broad west country accent)
" Dobbin was a happy soul eating grass in his field by the sea
Then the man from Tesco turned up at the gate now he's buy one get one free"
lutondown
says...
7:35pm Tue 22 Jan 13
Oracledave wrote:Just maybe, it could be that GFZ being a multi millionaire by his own rights, would like to build his legacy at Watford before testing himself higher up. He is I believe a sensitive man, and the trauma of WHU is in the process of being remedied.
andyhooked wrote:True, but the temptation of the Prem plus £2M p.a. and big pay off when sacked ???
Deeney has more horse power than a Tesco burger Oracledave. I consider GFZ to be a man of honour and given the Pozzos contribution he knows where we are going. A Chelsea manager only knows one way. The exit door if you do not win everything in sight and pla the owners my signings.
Lets give him the benefit of the doubt and support him to the hilt.
tonyevans22
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8:47pm Tue 22 Jan 13
Bush Hornet
says...
9:06pm Tue 22 Jan 13
tonyevans22 wrote:That's pretty much it Tony. Anyway it looks like Mourinho is gonna make a return there
What's the point in going to chelsea..Zola would win the champions league then be sacked!!!
Bush Hornet
says...
9:08pm Tue 22 Jan 13
D.unstable wrote:Yes Zola has integrity while Brendan just talked about it
Good man, and I believe him unlike a certain Mr Rogers.
GFZ has something to prove here after his West Ham failure (not that this was down to him). He has done nothing yet but is on the brink of greatness.
The Horns are going up and nobody likes us!!!!
lutondown
says...
9:10pm Tue 22 Jan 13
Bush Hornet wrote:Hello Bush! I'm still reeling from them slippers mate!
tonyevans22 wrote:That's pretty much it Tony. Anyway it looks like Mourinho is gonna make a return there
What's the point in going to chelsea..Zola would win the champions league then be sacked!!!
Zola will go one day, but I hope it's to a chairman deserving of his brilliant football brain. But until that day, lets enjoy.
Travelling Hornet
says...
9:20pm Tue 22 Jan 13
So everybody relax , he's going nowhere until he's taken us as far as he can!
Why does everyone assume that if Chelsea came knocking now he would drop us and join them. Doesn't make sense.
One day perhaps, not now!
lutondown
says...
9:23pm Tue 22 Jan 13
Travelling Hornet wrote:We now need a new thread. There's one on our wonder goal, should we not be there?
He's building something here. He says he has a point to prove after the West Ham stitch up.
So everybody relax , he's going nowhere until he's taken us as far as he can!
Why does everyone assume that if Chelsea came knocking now he would drop us and join them. Doesn't make sense.
One day perhaps, not now!
Bush Hornet
says...
9:38pm Tue 22 Jan 13
lutondown wrote:Been wearing them all evening while reading your book. Half way thru. Some good writing in that.
Bush Hornet wrote:Hello Bush! I'm still reeling from them slippers mate!
tonyevans22 wrote:That's pretty much it Tony. Anyway it looks like Mourinho is gonna make a return there
What's the point in going to chelsea..Zola would win the champions league then be sacked!!!
Zola will go one day, but I hope it's to a chairman deserving of his brilliant football brain. But until that day, lets enjoy.
Yes Zola will go one day but at least he's been bitten before and is hopefully wise to the knee-jerk berks like Abramo. He knows he's got a great job here like GT used to say in the 80s he had one of the best jobs in football.
Anyway I'm bigging up the Mourinho return. I think it's on!
KeithMercer
says...
9:48pm Tue 22 Jan 13
Who would of thought on that balmy tuesday night in August last year we were going out to the cup finalists/maybe winners. Bet we were the closest to knocking them out as well , 1 nil up with about 2 minutes to go.
Well done Bradford !!
GianlucaVialli the better italian
says...
10:45pm Tue 22 Jan 13
KeithMercer wrote:Nice to see Watford old boy Andy Weimann with a goal, I bet that made his night, is probably out for some celebratory drinks right now.
Sorry guys to go off subject but just wanted to say a big WELL DONE to Bradford city on a fantastic achievement tonight !!
Who would of thought on that balmy tuesday night in August last year we were going out to the cup finalists/maybe winners. Bet we were the closest to knocking them out as well , 1 nil up with about 2 minutes to go.
Well done Bradford !!
northofwatfordpete
says...
9:06am Wed 23 Jan 13
PhilippineOrn
says...
1:06pm Wed 23 Jan 13
lutondown
says...
1:35pm Wed 23 Jan 13
northofwatfordpete wrote:No. Nor would the Pozzos. How could Dyche coach the likes of Abdi, Fessi, Vydra? Lets end this Dyche obsession please.
If Zola left would you have Dyche back?
Bush Hornet
says...
2:03pm Wed 23 Jan 13
lutondown wrote:Pete, the question should be: If Zola and the Pozzos left, would you have Dyche back in an attempt to hold a sinking ship together? Yeah, ok. But for now those days are behind us
northofwatfordpete wrote:No. Nor would the Pozzos. How could Dyche coach the likes of Abdi, Fessi, Vydra? Lets end this Dyche obsession please.
If Zola left would you have Dyche back?
lutondown
says...
2:50pm Wed 23 Jan 13
Bush Hornet wrote:What a nightmare thought.
lutondown wrote:Pete, the question should be: If Zola and the Pozzos left, would you have Dyche back in an attempt to hold a sinking ship together? Yeah, ok. But for now those days are behind us
northofwatfordpete wrote:No. Nor would the Pozzos. How could Dyche coach the likes of Abdi, Fessi, Vydra? Lets end this Dyche obsession please.
If Zola left would you have Dyche back?
HunsburyHornet
says...
6:11pm Wed 23 Jan 13
Ronny oh Ronny Ronny says...
3:20pm Tue 22 Jan 13
Chelsea shouldn't have sacked Di Matteo in a knee jerk reaction and they wouldn't be in such a mess.