Chelsea news: Gianfranco Zola ‘surprised’ by Maurizio Sarri’s Juventus move, but insists Eden Hazard sale was not a factor

Eden Hazard’s move to Real Madrid did not play a part in Maurizio Sarri’s decision to leave his role as Chelsea manager, according Gianfranco Zola.

But the former Blues number two admits he was ‘surprised’ by his fellow Italian’s departure to Juventus.

Hazard ended years of transfer speculation by finally sealing a move to the Bernabeu for £89m (€100m) last month.

And boss Sarri followed him out of the club just over a week later, succeeding Massimiliano Allegri to become the new manager of Juventus.

There were claims Sarri made his decision to leave Stamford Bridge after they allowed his talisman player to go.

But, asked if Hazard’s move to Spain influenced Sarri’s move, Zola told talkSPORT on Monday: “No I don’t think so, I don’t think Hazard was a part in this.

Eden Hazard joins Real Madrid and is officially announced at the Bernabéu

“I think it was maybe about something else, maybe he thought Juventus was a better opportunity, but I don’t know to be honest.

“I can understand his choice, but I cannot hide that it surprised me.”

Zola has also urged fans to temper their expectations ahead of Frank Lampard’s first season in charge of Chelsea.

Zola lost his role as assistant head coach last week after club legend Lampard was announced as Sarri’s successor.

But the former Blues star wished the Englishman well and believes the new boss can be a success at Stamford Bridge, as long as he is given time in the hotseat.

“It will be a very demanding job for Frank,” added the Italian on Monday’s Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast.

“Hazard has been a big player for Chelsea – he was involved in 43 per cent of all Chelsea’s goals last season.

“He was amazing last season and Frank has lost someone very important.

“A lot of going to be down to expectations.

“Everybody at Chelsea needs to get into the idea they are starting again, Frank will need a little bit of time to put his ideas in place and he will be given time to make some mistakes.

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“It’s a big job for him, but the potential is there. The players did well last year and this year I think they can do more.”