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Napoli ready to test Gianfranco Zola's resolve with summer offer
Ben Hunt07.10.09
Gianfranco Zola could be offered a way out of his West Ham nightmare next summer by ambitious Italian side Napoli.
The Serie A club sacked former Italy manager Roberto Donadoni yesterday with Walter Mazzarri appointed in his place.
Donadoni had only been at the club for seven months but Napoli's owner Aurelio De Laurentiis wants quick results and is believed to be already eyeing up the unsettled Zola - still fondly remembered in southern Italy following his time as a player at the club.
Reports of Zola's frustrations with the Hammers hierarchy could make De Laurentiis confident of getting his No1 target next summer.
However, Zola has denied falling out with the club's chief executive Scott Duxbury and technical director Gianluca Nani - and should the club's current owners, CB holdings, find the buyer they are seeking the situation could change.
Former Birmingham City owner David Sullivan and managing director Karren Brady are believed to be interested in taking control of the east London club, however they are yet to agree a price.
Zola spoke of his frustration at his team's level of performance following their 2-2 draw with 10-man Fulham on Sunday.
The Italian claims his side "lost faith" in the stalemate - and there was little on show to change his mind yesterday afternoon when he watched his reserve team lose 3-0 to rock-bottom Championship side, Ipswich.
Reader views (5)
If he keeps `em up he'll stay - if not, and it might happen, he'll be off like a shot to the Bay of Naples.
- Ted, London
Barry you have your facts wrong, Zola did not turn down a kings ransom at Chelsea, he left because the club was in financial difficulties, and couldn't or wouldn't meet his valuation of himself.
Soon after he left Abramovich purchased Chelsea, he must have been kicking himself...but he was gone before the big money turned up at Chelsea
- Shelly, London
As a long life west ham fan,I think Zola should take the offer Napoli if it come's his way,until west ham have new owners/investers west ham will always be a complete nightmare too manage,with no money to spend and have to sell our best players and rely on our youngsters.
Personally I don't think Zola would take the offer from Napoli as Zola is a very loyal person and committed to our cause to help the team to move up the league, don't forget last season west ham wasd in the bottom three up until boxing day when west ham beat pompy 4-1 at fratton park,so just keep the faith all you west ham out there and don't believe everything you hear or read in the media.
Up the Hammers...
- Marc, Downham
I'm sure he'll take it into consideration Barry.
As for his "West Ham nightmare", is that what a home draw with the team who finished seventh followed by a reserve loss constitutes nowadays?
Crikey.
- Stu, Beckton
I think it would take a lot to make Zola turn his back on West Ham, because he is that rare thing in the game these days - a man of honour. Remember this man turned down a king's ransom at Chelsea to honour his commitment to help Cagliari get into Serie A.
Personally I would advise him to go, because managing any team outside the top six must be a nightmare.
- Barry, Welwyn England
