Joe Cole is arguably one of the most talented footballers to have ever played for Chelsea.
His former manager Jose Mourinho recognised that, hence all of the games he got to play under the Special One.
For Mourinho, though, talent alone has never been enough. And after one match between Chelsea and their Premier League rivals Liverpool, the Portuguese made that point very clear.
If Cole thought scoring the winning goal was going to make him safe from criticism, he was sadly mistaken. As a pundit, the Englishman dishes out criticism himself now. For example, Cole recently described Robert Sanchez as a work in progress.
Chelsea legend Joe Cole holding TNT Sports microphone
Photo by Trevor Wilkinson/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Jose Mourinho slammed Joe Cole publicly for his lack of defensive contribution
As far as Cole was concerned, he did his job against Liverpool 21 years ago. After an injury to Didier Drogba, the retired attacker was brought on with the score level at 0-0.
After the hour mark, Chelsea were eventually able to take the lead through Cole and managed to hold onto it.
On the day, he was Chelsea fans’ hero; for Mourinho, not so much. “Joe scored a very important goal — he gave us dynamism when he came on,” the 60-year-old told Sky Sports and others at the time. “But after he scored his game finished. I needed 11 players to work for the team and I only had ten.
“If he wants to be a regular for England he needs to improve and be part of the team’s defensive organisation. He needs to make an impact on me — not the crowd. Joe has two faces, one is beautiful and one that I don’t like.”
That season proved to be a hugely successful one for Cole, Mourinho and Chelsea. They went on to win the Premier League crown, the club’s first English league title in 50 years.
While it may not have always made him popular, Mourinho’s methods certainly worked.
To the present, and Enzo Maresca‘s Chelsea side are probably a long way from winning the Premier League.
If they can avoid getting players sent off, former Liverpool goalkeeper David James believes Chelsea can at least challenge for the title.
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho not happy with Joe Cole
Photo by Ben Radford/Getty Images
How many games did Joe Cole play under Jose Mourinho?
Despite the imperfections in his game, Mourinho was still a big fan of Cole. He would not have played the former England international more than 100 times had that not been the case.
Joe Cole’s record under Jose Mourinho Total
Games 124
Goals 21
Assists 15
Via Transfermarkt
Cole was a real entertainer. The closest thing Chelsea have to him today is Estevao Willian, who has brought his Brazilian flair to Stamford Bridge.