Zola Wants to Lead Socceroos

Australia were royally screwed over by Dick Advocaat recently, the Dutchman signing up to manage the Socceroos before pulling an about face to stay at Zenit St Petersburg, probably with a much improved paycheck. Then England entered the market for a new manager, and things were looking bleak for Australia. But step forward Gianfranco Zola. The little Italian legend has made it clear he wants the job.

Zola is currently co-coach of the Italy Under 21s with fellow former Chelsea forward Pierluigi Casiraghi. He may not have the international experience the Socceroos are looking for. Certainly he doesn’t have the experience of Advocaat. But he’s also not a money grabbing good for nothing like Advocaat is either.

From what we’ve all seen of Zola he’s a top-class individual, he’d command the respect of the dressing room as he achieved more in the game than any of Australia’s current squad, and he’s also a hungry young manager looking to make a name for himself. Effort would not be a problem and he’d generate great PR buzz, which Australia suddenly needs after the Asian Cup disaster and the Advocaat embarrassment.

Even if the Australian Football Federation ultimately go for someone more experienced, having Zola linked with the job at least does wonders for the Socceroos PR, making their current opening seem less like the job that no one wants. But they should give him the job just so the world gets to hear Zola spouting some Aussie lingo.