Rowett axe not my fault insists Zola
GIANFRANCO ZOLA has told the Birmingham fans angry at Gary Rowett’s sacking: “Don’t blame me.”
Rowett was axed as manager on Wednesday after leading Blues to seventh in the Championship – and former West Ham and Watford boss Zola was appointed less than six hours later.
The Chelsea legend yesterday admitted he first spoke to the new St Andrew’s owners several weeks ago with Rowett still in place.
But asked about the perception among fans that he had stabbed the popular Rowett in the back, 50-year-old Zola said: “You shouldn’t be asking me this question. I’m a professional.
“I’m a manager that didn’t have a position and I’ve been asked to come over here.
“And I’ve come with enthusiasm and with all possible good intentions. I feel for my predecessor and he probably didn’t deserve it, but you have to be professional.
“I’ve been sacked in other jobs and I know how it feels to be in that situation, but I didn’t blame the man who came after me.
“I think it’s worth giving a chance to the people who come here and try to do a good job.
“I know Gary is well-considered over here and he deserved to be well-considered for the job he’s done.
“But this is nothing to do with me or my staff.”
Zola will take charge at home to Brighton tomorrow evening after taking on his third England managerial post.
He previously was in charge at Watford and West Ham, but insists he is not too nice to succeed after calling five senior players to the Blues’ Wast Hills training ground on their day off to spell out what he expects.
“I’m always very much associated with this – being too nice,” he said.
“I was also a player and as a player, you have to have what it takes to achieve certain results.
“So I think I am an honest person, I try to treat everyone with respect, but if someone doesn’t behave properly I know what to do.”