By: IAN McGARRY / The Sun
CHELSEA have a lot to thank Gianfranco Zola for — and the emergence of John Terry is one of them.
And when the new West Ham boss is applauded on his return to Stamford Bridge tomorrow, Terry is one who will join in.
The Blues skipper spent hours doing extra training with Zola when he was a young defender and is grateful to the Italian for setting a sparkling example as a pro.
But now Terry is writing his own chapter in Chelsea’s book of legends and coach Ray Wilkins has tipped him to eclipse Zola.
Wilkins said, “If I was to pick one of the current players who might surpass Franco in the future I’d say John Terry.
“John just epitomises what we’re about. He’s professional, he’s a one-club player and I’d imagine in 10 years’ time when they have their next poll of greatest ever players, John would be the one who sits at the top.”
Wilkins, a Chelsea legend himself, reckons that the current skipper would not be the player he is without Zola’s influence.
He said, “What you do as a youngster is get your eye on one of the senior players and think: ‘That’s how it’s done is it?’
“From an early age, John set his eyes on Zola, he picked up on the professionalism of Zola and thankfully we’ve got the player we’ve got now.
“If you see how John trains and plays, he has certainly taken that on board, as Gianfranco was the ultimate pro. John is following in those footsteps.”
Chelsea face the Hammers in the midst of their worst start to a season at home in 15 years. They have picked up just 12 points from their first eight games at the Bridge and are desperate for a win to maintain their title tilt.
Zola’s side did the Blues a favour by drawing at Liverpool and will be no pushovers.
And Wilkins knows it is imperative the Chelsea players are relaxed.
He said: “The important thing is not to panic. We aren’t winning as many games at home as we’d like but we’re still second in the league and in the next phase of the Champions League.
“You have to give credit to people when they come to the Bridge. They’re not just going to roll over and let us play football. They will make it difficult for us. But it’s up to us to break that down.”
Boss Phil Scolari must sort Blues’ home form and increased firepower is the obvious way. So it seems likely Didier Drogba will play up front with Nicolas Anelka.
Chelsea were hit by another transfer blow last night when Fluminense defender THIAGO SILVA agreed to join AC Milan.
Blues’ boss Scolari had earmarked him as a replacement for want-away star Alex. Milan, however, have left Chelsea trailing and sealed a £1.5million deal subject to a medical next week.
It is another setback for Scolari, who has been told he must fund any signings in the January transfer window from the sale of players.
Now the news of Silva’s decision will make Alex’s looming departure in January much more difficult.*
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