Zola on Clarke

[Fulham Broadway 16,977]

"Talking to me about Steve Clarke is like talking to me about my father. He's such an important person for me which is why I said since the day I took the job that I wanted him with me."I knew him as a player. He's a very intelligent person, a person you can rely on even in the most difficult moments.

"He knows a lot about the Premier League and the way he organises the training sessions are unbelievable. I have to give him a lot of credit because a lot of the work that has gone on is because of his fantastic training and fitness sessions.

"I am a little bit worried about losing him but my worries are completely overcome by the pleasure of seeing him going his way and having the success he deserves. I know one day he'll go into management and I'll be very sad, but I am going to be happy knowing he can do a great job."

The training regime under Clarke and fitness coach Antonio Pintus has ensured that even luckless Kieron Dyer is fit! Only long-term casualty Dean Ashton is on the sick list.

Zola added: "The players are working well and the physios are doing a good job. When you are fit and well trained, it's very difficult for you to get injured.''

Daily Mirror

They havent conceded in 3 games, and our players have been huffing and puffing a bit after 60 mins, and the defence has looked shaky .......

[terry26 6]

all qualities we knew clarky had when he was taken away from us <_<

[Fulham Broadway 16,977]

Clarke has been underestimated imo. Worked under Gullitt and Mourinho, a future top manager in waiting for someone.

Who is putting our players through an intense training programme now ? Cant imagine Wilkins or Scolari for that matter.

[Kez 2,727]

always thought he would be a future Chelsea manager, maybe one day

Edited December 8, 2008 by Kez

[warnie_666 1,081]

Clarke will be one of those managers who would go to a championship side, and help them make the Premier League and the very next season, would help them reach the mid table. Thats a hallmark of a very good manager. He is a non nonsense man, and I would luv to see him manage Chelsea.

Btw, I heard this nonsense about Players complaining about the training sessions not being intense. Didnt they have a confrontation with Henke Ten Crates last season, because his sessions were very intense.?

[Elliott 7]

It's not black or white warnie. It is entirely possible that there is a medium between not intense enough and too intense, is it not?

[warnie_666 1,081]

Well, there is, but they need to adjust to the new management style. They wont have Mourinho'esque training sessions anymore.

[misschief 24]

Clarke has been underestimated imo. Worked under Gullitt and Mourinho, a future top manager in waiting for someone.

Who is putting our players through an intense training programme now ? Cant imagine Wilkins or Scolari for that matter.

Was saying something similar to someone last night. I wonder if whatever it is thats not going quite right for us at the minute is connected with Clarke not being around anymore?