Joe Cole isn’t done with football yet. “Absolutely not,” he says, firm and decisive, as he reflects on his career and looks ahead to what comes next.
After dazzling on the pitch with Chelsea and England, Cole’s sights are now firmly set on coaching and management.
He’s already dipping his toes into coaching, unpaid, with Brentford’s Under-16s—where his eldest son plays.
Between TV commitments at TNT Sports and family life, Cole is starting to build experience and prepare for the next stage: earning his UEFA Pro Licence once he takes on a full-time role.
Starting From the Ground Up
Cole knows that opportunities won’t immediately come with massive budgets or top-flight glory. “I’ve got to be realistic,” he admits.
“Six years into punditry, there ain’t Championship clubs going, ‘There you go, here’s a £20million-a-year budget.’”
He’s prepared to start small, much like TNT punditry friend Robbie Savage, who began in management in the seventh tier before climbing the ranks.
Cole sees the value in that kind of journey and the experience it brings.
A Different Approach to Coaching
At 44, Cole has clear principles about the game.
He’s frustrated with football’s obsession with buzzwords and tactical jargon.
“Everyone starts talking about false nines and inverted full-backs,” he says.
“Business people come in, get mesmerised, and forget the real job.”
For Cole, success is about managing people—mentally, emotionally, and physically.
“If you can get a good group of players, make a great environment, keep them in the right place, then you’ve got a real chance at success at any level,” he explains.
He admires managers like Carlo Ancelotti and Jose Mourinho, whose tactical tweaks were minimal but who excelled at keeping teams united.
Lessons From Mourinho and Ancelotti
Cole’s book, Luxury Player, dives deep into his relationship with Mourinho—sometimes tense, often illuminating.
“It was tumultuous,” Cole admits, “but looking back, I just see the genius in him.”
Mourinho’s philosophy was clear: personal feelings aside, the manager’s job comes first.
Cole learned that honesty, discipline, and strong leadership are as important as any tactical plan.
Carlo Ancelotti, by contrast, led with calmness and humility, creating a different kind of respect.
Cole absorbed lessons from both styles, shaping his own emerging coaching philosophy.
Chelsea’s Golden Era and Life Under Abramovich
Cole also reflects on his time at Chelsea during Roman Abramovich’s transformative ownership.
The club became a powerhouse, attracting world-class talent and creating a culture of ambition and excitement.
“Chelsea was the centre of the football world,” he says. “Incredible, like a new football powerhouse had emerged.”
He recalls the quirks of the era, including the now-famous superyacht rewards for Player of the Year, which he never got to experience.
These stories show the unique and sometimes surreal environment of Chelsea at the time.
Career Highs and Lows
Cole never wanted to leave Chelsea, even during contract negotiations.
Yet a knee injury in 2008-09 marked the start of a decline in physical ability.
“I’m proud of all my career achievements,” he says, “but after 2010 it was on maybe 70 or 80 per cent.
I couldn’t stay fit, and I’m still proud of sticking it out to the end.”
He also candidly recalls personal missteps, like the night before the 2009 FA Cup final, when he went out and arrived at Wembley underprepared.
“Not my finest hour,” he admits, but he emphasizes honesty as a guiding principle, both in his book and in life.
Looking Ahead in Football
Now, Cole is ready to translate a glittering playing career and a reflective mindset into coaching success.
His experiences, from world-class managers to personal triumphs and setbacks, have prepared him for the challenges ahead.
“I’m ready,” he says. “I’ll do it for sure. It’s just a case of the right opportunity.”
With a clear philosophy and the lessons of the past firmly in mind, Cole’s next chapter in football is waiting to be written.
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