View from the Visitors: Gianfranco Zola on Pep, Haaland, KDB and City fans

We spoke with Chelsea, Italy and Premier League legend Gianfranco Zola ahead of Saturday's clash at the Etihad...

Gianfranco – it’s a real pleasure to speak with you! What are you expecting from the latest City v Chelsea clash?

“It is my pleasure! I think this will be an open game. They are two teams who are similar in everything – similar style of play, similar mentality and remarkably similar stats in the Premier League this season.

“It will be interesting because City look like they are starting to find their form again – PSG apart – and Chelsea had a bit of difficulty for five games or so but beat Wolves last Monday.

“Chelsea have performed quite well overall, but if you ask me who is going to win the game, I will say that I don’t know!

“It will be very open ,and I think there is an equal chance for both teams to win this match. I’m looking forward to the game, but it will be interesting to see how City react to losing in Paris in the week.

You were part of a very god Chelsea side that often beat City…

“Yes, we beat City a few times during my playing days, but City won a few, too!

“Chelsea are capable of beating anyone, but we know how difficult it is when City are dominant because they will control the ball.

“Chelsea have been very good at not conceding space in behind and have quality players to be very dangerous on the counterattack, and they can cause even a good side like City problems.

Being a hardworking, creative player, how much would you have enjoyed playing in a Pep Guardiola side?

“I would have loved that! My style of play would have suited Pep’s style of play very much and I think I would have taken a lot of benefits from playing in a Guardiola side."

Do you recall a game at Maine Road when you went to take a corner and you were loudly applauded by the City fans?

“I do remember it very well – I think it was in the 2000/01 season, and I was very grateful for that.

“We know as players when we are probably not going to get a very good reception because of rivalries or whatever, but the City fans showed me a great respect and I was very appreciative of that. They have my total respect, also.”

Your fellow Italian Enzo Maresca has made a good start at Chelsea – what do you make of him?

“Enzo was working under Pep a long time  and when you work alongside someone like Pep for so long, you know they must be good!

“I like him. I was asked this question at the start of the season, so I looked what he did at Leicester, and I was very impressed because they had great organisation and structure.

“I was pleased with what I saw, and I said that I thought he would do well – in short, I’m not surprised he’s done well.

“Chelsea can still get better, but I have been impressed with Enzo and I also like his personality as well.”

Erling Haaland – is he someone you admire?

“These are easy questions to answer! He’s an amazing goal-scorer – no doubt about that – he scores in every way. Headers, with the left, with the right, taking players on and his repertoire is amazing.

“But what I like about Erling the most is the desire and appetite that he has for scoring goals – that is his lifeblood – and that’s not easy to do with Manchester City because sometimes  the main striker is cut off from the play.

“I see many times that he doesn’t touch the ball for a long period, and I remember when I was playing, if I hadn’t touched the ball for even one minute I was going crazy!

“So to remain focused and concentrated when you don’t have freedom with the ball is impressive, but he does really well, and he has been remarkable.

“Like all top players, he can still improve in some areas  – I think he’s got much better at playing off his team-mates, but he can get even better because there are always margins you can improve on.”

And as a gifted playmaker in your day, what do you think of Kevin De Bruyne?

“You are touching a soft spot with Kevin! Every year I get asked who I think are the best players in the Premier League and each time I always say Kevin is one of the best.

“He’s a player that  if you love football, you have to love watching Kevin play. His football intelligence is above everyone else at the moment – not forgetting Messi of course who is a different level to anyone!

“Cole Palmer reminds me a lot of Kevin, because they both have unbelievable football intelligence in that they see the game before the others and sometimes see what others cannot see.

“This comes from an incredible confidence and technique that allows you to try things that others don’t even think of. Kevin is a marvellous player.”

Finally, your former team-mate Tore Andre Flo is a guest on our Matchday Live show for the Chelsea game – what do you recall of Tore’s playing days?

“Tore is my little brother in terms of he is younger than me – but in terms of height, I could easily be his son!

“Tore was a great player who was very tall, but much better with his feet than his head. He was very skilful, talented and a very complete player.

“On that top of all that, he is amazing guy, and I am very happy to call him a close friend.”

Gianfranco, many thanks!

“It was my pleasure. Enjoy the game!”