Zola on Maradona vs. Messi: 'Maradona Would Have Scored More Goals Today'

Gianfranco Zola has had his say on the Lionel Messi vs. Diego Maradona debate, referring glowingly to his time playing alongside Maradona at Napoli between 1989 and 1991.

Zola told Qatar's Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (via FIFA.com):

"

I think it is unfair to compare Maradona and Messi because they are from different eras. Both are extraordinary players and I learned my football watching Maradona play. He is my master and mentor, and therefore I have an empathy towards him.

Maradona had it tougher than Messi. There were two players always marking him and their only duty was to take him out of the game. Yes, modern defenders mark Messi, but these days the game is more attacking in nature and defenders focus on playing their own game rather than focus on one player alone.

I think Maradona would have scored much more goals if he were a modern player.

"

Currently managing Qatari side Al-Arabi, Chelsea legend Zola also made clear his desire to return to Stamford Bridge one day and backed the Blues to recover from their current slump:

"

My dream, let us say my ambition, is to be Chelsea manager someday. I realise that I need to improve as a manager if I want to get there. And I am working hard to achieve my goal. ...

There is no one compelling reason for the poor start to the season. The poor form of key offensive players Eden Hazard and Diego Costa has not helped. Defensively as well the team dropped the standards set last year. So the players have lost confidence as a group and this has led to poor results.

The club has it in them to turn around their fortunes.

"

[h/t FIFA.com]