Chelsea assistant manager Gianfranco Zola has admitted that he is not surprised to see Manchester United doing so well under the stewardship of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Former Manchester United striker Solskjaer took over as caretaker boss in December after the sacking of Jose Mourinho. The Red Devils have been in superb form since the Norwegian took over the reigns, winning 10 of their 12 games, and taking Chelsea’s place in the top four.
Chelsea and United face off in the FA Cup fifth round on Monday, and Zola, who spent time with Solskjaer on a coaching course, has praised the work his colleague has done so far at Old Trafford.
“I am pleased, that’s the first feeling I have,” Zola told a pre-match press conference.
“I know Ole, we did a course together and I’m pleased to see him doing so well. United weren’t in a very good moment before but I knew the value of the team and that they would come back. What he has done in a small amount of time is quite remarkable. He was clever, always interested and you can see when someone is focused on what he’s doing. He has that and I’m pleased he’s showing that.
“At the moment they are enjoying what they’re doing. They are committed, working together as a group and when you have that attitude and the qualities they have, the results can only be good. It’s strange because they had a very good coach before but sometimes things don’t work out. The value of the team wasn’t in doubt and it’s no surprise they are doing what they’re doing.”