Liverpool’s recruitment has come on leaps and bounds in recent years. Ever since Michael Edwards took on a major role in the process we’ve seen data work wonders for our transfer business. Prior to this pivot we had more misses than hits. Joe Cole has opened up on his disappointing Liverpool stay.
Joe Cole at Liverpool
Back in 2010 Joe Cole joined Liverpool on a free transfer.
The attacking midfielder arrived from Chelsea as Roy Hodgson’s first signing at the club.
Given the number 10 shirt, plenty of fans were excited about the move.
However, the England international never lived up to expectations with injuries hampering his stay.
Cole played just one full season for the Reds, heading to Lille on loan in 2011-12 and returning to West Ham on a free transfer for the 2012-13 season.
Joe Cole on Liverpool stay
Speaking to The Mirror, Cole has admitted joining Liverpool was a mistake.
Though the midfielder explained that his troubles stemmed from injuries and a change of ownership just weeks into his stay.
When asked if he’d make the same decision to join Liverpool if he could reverse time, Cole told the paper:
“At the risk of upsetting Liverpool fans any more than they’re upset with me already, I probably wouldn’t.
“But not for any fault of the club or because I didn’t like the club or anything. I signed for the previous owners and then they sold the club four or five weeks later…
“I was never as sharp as I used to be [after the knee injury]. So right club, wrong time I’d say.”
What RTK has to say
No hard feelings eh.
Cole was a massive talent but the Liverpool move probably marked the most disappointing stretch of his career.
Injuries prevented him from being an England great, had he managed to stay fit throughout his Reds’ stint then we may be remembering him very differently.