Zola: Jose must keep English heart

Gianfranco Zola has urged Jose Mourinho not to abandon Chelsea's English players in pursuit of the Premiership title.

The club's Portuguese head coach has signed five foreigners this summer, but Zola believes homegrown stars such as captain John Terry could prove to be just as important.

He said: "In this country you have to have a core of English players. English players are vital and when I first came here Dennis Wise and Steve Clarke were the spine of the team.

"English players are very important, have a great spirit and will be pushing the others in the right direction.

"Chelsea don't have Wise but John, Frank Lampard and Joe Cole are really good guys. They have good character and will help achieve a winning mentality."

Zola returned to Stamford Bridge yesterday for the first time since leaving the club for Cagliari last summer, playing the last 27 minutes of a 3-0 win over Spanish side Real Zaragoza.

Didier Drogba scored his third goal in three games for his new club, with a Gabriel Milito own goal and late Scott Parker strike completing the scoring, as Chelsea finished their preparations for Sunday's Premiership kick-off against Manchester United.

Zola was impressed with the changes that have taken place at his old club and believes Chelsea have what it takes to win the Premiership this season.

He said: "My one regret was that we didn't win the Premiership, but this team have all the ingredients to be a winning side.

"The team is really good and strong in every part of the pitch. I trained with them the other day and was really impressed with their commitment.

"Winning the Premiership is not the easiest task but they will be very up for it.

"They have the strength and the desire to do it. If I was to bet I would bet on Chelsea this year."

Zola has just signed a one-year contract extension at Cagliari that will enable him to finish his playing career in Serie A, but is considering the possibility of returning to Chelsea as a coach afterwards.

Assistant manager Clarke said: "I would love to see him back at this club in whatever capacity. He'll always be a fantastic ambassador for Chelsea and will always get a fantastic reception.

"He's got a young family but if it's possible for him to come back he'd be more than welcome.

"He gets instant respect and that's very important in management. Not only is he a fantasic footballer but a fantastic person."