Gianfranco Zola has conceded he would like to eventually get the Chelsea manager's job - but feels the club are currently in the "best possible hands" with interim boss Roberto Di Matteo at the helm.
Di Matteo has emerged as a leading candidate for the full-time role, having guided Chelsea into the semi-finals of the Champions League and reignited their push for a top-four place.
However, there have been setbacks along the way - costly draws against Tottenham and Fulham, as well as a defeat to Manchester City - and it is far from certain he will be offered the job.
Zola, who enjoyed a seven-year spell with the Blues, is eager to get back into management - and would jump at the chance to lead the Stamford Bridge outfit.
"Chelsea? I'd be a hypocrite if I said that I wouldn't want the job, but I don't think there are the right conditions in place for that," Zola told the Gazzetta dello Sport.
"As a Chelsea fan I always want the team to be in the best possible hands, as they are right now with Roberto Di Matteo."
Zola had a spell managing West Ham before leaving the club in May 2010 to be replaced by Avram Grant.
