Former
Chelsea forward Gianfranco Zola admits he has taken a gamble by turning down
job offers in England to take up the reins at Qatari side Al Arabi.
The 49-year-old revealed he also had offers to manage in his home country,
but the former Italy international decided to sign a two-year deal with the
seven-time Qatari champions instead.
The former Napoli and Parma playmaker, who will be assisted by former
team-mate Pierluigi Casiraghi, insisted the move was a “calculated risk”.
Zola has recently been working as a television pundit in Qatar.
"I know I'm taking a big gamble by leaving behind offers from Italy and
England and taking up a coaching position in Qatar," Zola was quoted as
saying by Doha Stadium Plus.
"It's a calculated risk. I believe in myself, my staff and the Arabi
management.
“I'm not a total stranger to Qatar either. I've good knowledge of the Qatar
Stars League and its teams. I've a feeling we'll do well."
Zola has struggled for management success in England with West Ham United
and Watford and at home with Cagliari, who sacked him in March.
The Italian joked he hoped his new bosses, who dismissed another former
Chelsea player in Dan Petrescu before finishing eighth in the 12-team
league, would add some star quality to the squad.
"If the club is willing to buy Lionel Messi for me, that'll be my first
requirement. I'll then be the happiest man on Earth," he said.
"But for me, the real challenge is to improve the quality of local players.
It's key to our ability to win major titles in the long run.
“Foreign players can only help to a certain extent. My staff is experienced
at developing raw talent. We can really make a difference."
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