Former Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole has thrown his support behind Jose Mourinho making a sensational return to Stamford Bridge for a third spell in charge. The Blues are currently searching for a new permanent manager after parting ways with Liam Rosenior, with Calum McFarlane stepping in as interim boss until the end of the season.
Cole's Endorsement
Speaking to The Sun, Cole expressed his conviction that Mourinho is the ideal candidate to lead the club forward. 'The best move the club could make now, a realistic move as well, is to go to Jose Mourinho. Say that this is what we can do, and just let the man take charge of the club. Just say, rebuild my club for me, we're going to step back, you get us back on track,' Cole stated.
He added: 'Give him a long contract, and tell the players and the fans just to take the transition. Tell the fans, we've given you what you want. Jose is in charge of bringing the players in. Jose is in charge of everything. So, the fans know where they stand, and the players know where they stand as a group. And then leave it.'
Potential for a Comeback
Cole acknowledged that a turnaround would take time but insisted Mourinho could deliver results. 'It's going to take a few years. But I'm pretty sure, in three years, Chelsea will be in a healthier position than they are now. Everyone's thinking he's finished, but there's a reason Real Madrid are looking at him,' he remarked.
Mourinho first managed Chelsea from 2004 to 2007, securing two Premier League titles and an FA Cup. He returned in 2013 and added another Premier League crown before departing in 2015. Cole played under Mourinho during his initial tenure.
Current Situation
Since leaving Chelsea, Mourinho has managed Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur. He is currently in charge of Benfica, where his team is on the verge of an unbeaten season. The 63-year-old is also reportedly the preferred choice of Real Madrid president Florentino Perez to replace Alvaro Arbeloa at the end of the season.
Mourinho previously managed Real Madrid from 2010 to 2013, winning La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Super Cup. His tenure was marked by intense battles with Barcelona under Pep Guardiola. Xabi Alonso was dismissed earlier this season after just eight months, leading to Arbeloa's promotion from the B-team.
Reports indicate that Real Madrid would need to pay a £2.6 million release clause in Mourinho's Benfica contract, which runs until the summer of 2027, to secure his services.
