Joe Cole’s exquisite goal against Man Utd at the weekend re-awakened everyone to what he is capable of. On his day he is the exciting creative spark that Chelsea otherwise lack. Sadly however, that spark has been none too evident in recent months and, in light of that, is the club right to play hardball over his new contract?
Chelsea fans feel a certain emotional connection with Joe Cole, a connection that has probably intensified in recent months. It’s not difficult to see why: since joining the club in 2004 he has often spoken with pride about playing for the team he supports. He joined at a time when unprecedented success came to the club, and enjoyed individual success in Mourinho’s 4-3-3. Since Robben left the club, Cole has probably represented the last remnant of ‘fantasy’ in the Chelsea squad. He has a fantastic work ethic, has been unquestionably committed to the club and has had terrible luck with injury.
But a lot of rubbish has been spoken about Joe Cole and the supposed impasse with the club regarding his new contract. Some fans, probably because of their affinity with him, have become irrationally angered that he hasn’t automatically been handed a bumper contract. The club’s short-sighted and frivolous negotiations with John Terry (which resulted in a 29 year-old defender already on a long-term deal and with injury problems being given a five year, £160k a week contract) does help reinforce that view.
Perhaps most amusingly, Republik of Mancunia, one of the most popular Man Utd blogs out there, has weighed in on the issue amidst continued rumours that Cole could end up at Utd. On the whole it is a fantastic blog, but it’s difficult to agree with its criticism that Chelsea is only about money (in stark contrast to Utd, of course) and that the club is unprepared to reward loyalty. It speaks as if loyalty in itself should be rewarded, with no consideration of whether it is accompanied by performance.
I first wrote about the stalling contract negotiations back in January, and it seems to me that nothing much has changed. Chelsea can’t be expected to reward Cole regardless of performance or value to the team: goodwill and loyalty alone won’t do it. It would be ludicrous for any football club, or business, to act in that way. Moreover, Chelsea desperately need to rein in a previous overspending on player wages, which should be applauded. There is a real contradiction between the real criticism consistently aimed at Chelsea for not being financially prudent and the outright surprise that money hasn’t been thrown at Joe Cole.
In offering a new contract, Chelsea are therefore making a risk assessment. Will their investment pay off as Cole continues to improve? On the other side of the coin, will he consistently recapture his better form, and has he completely overcome his injury concerns? Would investment in a different player bring a greater return?
As it is, Cole’s performances are steadily improving, but he hasn’t contributed as much as you might expect of a player of his ability. Eleven players in the squad have scored more times than him this season, and five have contributed more assists. Combined with his injury record, it would seem like madness to offer him an improved contract.
I, like thechelseablog.org (a blog that has teamed up with Republik of Mancunia on numerous occasions), am very keen to see Joe Cole sign a new contract at Chelsea. But I can’t agree that he has been mistreated or undervalued by Chelsea over the years, or with the implied belief that somehow the club owe him something. Looking back, a combination of Chelsea and Mourinho made Joe Cole the successful player he was in his mid twenties, taking a highly talented player and adding a dose of discipline that made him a consistent starter for England and the country’s player of the tournament in the last World Cup.
Like most Chelsea fans I’m desperate for him to stay and succeed at the club, probably more than the vast majority of other players on the team. Regardless of that however, I understand that the club has to make their decisions based on different factors, and are holding out to make a more informed judgement on form and fitness before offering better terms. In the meantime, Ancelotti has offered unwavering support for Joe Cole in the form of press conference praise and chances on the pitch.
Joe Cole wants to stay at Chelsea, and I believe Ancelotti when he says the club wants him to stay too. But, just as we all have to earn our money, so Cole is having to earn his new contract. That is the right and proper way, and an entirely necessary message that should be more consistently sent to present and future Chelsea players looking to negotiate their contracts. If only the same approach had been taken with John Terry.
Unique to Chelsea both as a player and a person, I think Joe will prove he is worth a new contract. Here’s hoping that his tremendous backheel at the weekend really was a sign of him getting back to top form.