Incoming Chelsea coach Antonio Conte should be considered as good as Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola, according to Gianfranco Zola.
Conte will take over from interim coach Guus Hiddink after stepping down as Italy boss in the summer. The Italian led Juventus to three-straight Serie A titles and Chelsea legend Zola, who played over 250 times for the club between 1996 and 2003, insists he is one of the best managers around.
"He's done so well in Italy that he has to be considered the same level as Guardiola and Mourinho," Zola told the BBC. "He has not won as much internationally but he is a good coach with a strong personality. I'm sure he will bring a lot to Chelsea."
After dismally failing to defend their Premier League title this season, there will be no Champions League football on offer for the Blues next season. But Zola believes that, while it may be hard to recruit big names, Conte will thrive with the pressure off.
"Antonio as a coach is very disciplined, he demands a lot from the side no matter who you are and also tactically he works a lot," he added.
"There might be a problem bringing big players because playing in the Champions League is a big issue, but that actually could be an advantage because there won't be as much pressure on him. He will do well with Chelsea, I am sure."