Joe Cole has leaped to the defence of Alejandro Garnacho, insisting the Chelsea winger still possesses the talent to reach the very top despite a difficult start to life at Stamford Bridge.
‘He Could Be Anything’ – Cole Hits Back at Garnacho ‘Mistake’ Claims
Garnacho joined Chelsea from Manchester United in a £40m deal last summer, but the 21-year-old has managed just one Premier League goal.
His form slumped so badly that Gary Neville claimed he looked “shot to pieces” after a poor display against West Ham.
Critics now question whether Chelsea erred in signing the Argentine.
Cole, however, rejects that narrative. The former Chelsea midfielder believes Garnacho simply needs guidance and freedom to rediscover his best form.
“I would love to coach Alejandro Garnacho,” Cole told The Sun.
“He’s such a super-talented footballer. The sky’s the limit. He could be anything, he really could.”
Cole acknowledged Garnacho’s controversial reputation but argued that maturity will come with the right support.
He emphasised the importance of simplifying the winger’s game and removing pressure.
“If you take the ball into dangerous areas, sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t.
You have to be mentally strong. I would get him back to basics,” Cole explained.
“Give him freedom. Ask him: ‘Can you beat your full-back three or four times a half?’ If he loses it, I don’t care.”
Cole also stressed non-negotiables like defensive concentration, regardless of confidence levels. He believes Garnacho’s issues stem more from situation than ability.
Garnacho has not started since the West Ham match and remained an unused substitute in Tuesday’s draw with Leeds. He may feature in Friday’s FA Cup tie against Hull.
Glen Johnson, another former Chelsea defender, suggested setting strict boundaries with Garnacho.
Liam Rosenior, who handed him minutes recently, declined to label the signing a mistake but acknowledged the forward must improve.
For Cole, the verdict remains clear. Garnacho is not a lost cause but a work in progress.
“If he adds maturity to his game, he will feel so much freer,” he said. “The ability is there. Now he needs the platform.”
