Joe Cole concedes that his long-term future at Liverpool is in doubt
Andy Hunter
The Guardian, Saturday 12 March 2011
Joe Cole's Liverpool career got off to the worst possible start after he was sent off against Arsenal on his debut. Photograph: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images
Joe Cole has conceded his long-term Liverpool future is in doubt eight months after arriving at Anfield on a four-year contract worth £90,000 a week.
The England international has endured a difficult time since leaving Chelsea on a free transfer and electing to restart his career at Liverpool instead of Tottenham Hotspur. The first red card of the 29-year-old's professional career on his debut against Arsenal set the tone for a campaign disrupted by injury and a struggle to adapt to a left-midfield role under Roy Hodgson and Kenny Dalglish.
Cole made only his 17th start for Liverpool in the deserved defeat by Braga in the Europa League on Thursday. When asked if he believed he would still be at Anfield next season, with Harry Redknapp reportedly still interested in bringing the midfielder to White Hart Lane, the Liverpool player was noncommittal.
"It has been difficult this season," he said. "I find myself playing these Europa League games trying to catch up but I am still nice and positive, still myself. I know what a great job it is playing football for a living but what will be will be. Of course I still think I can make it here. There's nothing stopping me but I'll just take it day by day, step by step and we'll see where we go. I am happy, I like the lads, I like the training now, the manager has come in and been a breath of fresh air.
"Do I think I made the wrong decision to come here? As I say, it's day by day. But I'm proud to play for Liverpool. I am working hard every day and enjoying myself. So personally I will just keep going, keep working hard, doing my best and enjoying my football. It was nice to play 90 minutes in Braga. We've got good players, the club is looking really positive, going in the right direction and I am proud to be part of it."
Dalglish admitted Liverpool were fortunate to leave Portugal with only a one-goal deficit after a performance that prompted his first public criticism of the team since returning to the club. "We know one goal in our last five away from home in Europe isn't good enough," said Cole. "We are still well capable of going through but it will be a tough night next week."
Regardless of his own position at Liverpool beyond this summer, and despite the setback in Braga, Cole believes the club have the managerial team in place to move forward under Dalglish.
"I just think we have the right man here in Kenny, the fans love him," he said. "Damien Comolli's come in and brought in some fantastic players while I know Steve Clarke from Chelsea and I don't think there is a better coach around. You can just feel this club's going in the right direction but for me I will just take it day by day."
Andy Hunter
The Guardian, Saturday 12 March 2011
Joe Cole's Liverpool career got off to the worst possible start after he was sent off against Arsenal on his debut. Photograph: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images
Joe Cole has conceded his long-term Liverpool future is in doubt eight months after arriving at Anfield on a four-year contract worth £90,000 a week.
The England international has endured a difficult time since leaving Chelsea on a free transfer and electing to restart his career at Liverpool instead of Tottenham Hotspur. The first red card of the 29-year-old's professional career on his debut against Arsenal set the tone for a campaign disrupted by injury and a struggle to adapt to a left-midfield role under Roy Hodgson and Kenny Dalglish.
Cole made only his 17th start for Liverpool in the deserved defeat by Braga in the Europa League on Thursday. When asked if he believed he would still be at Anfield next season, with Harry Redknapp reportedly still interested in bringing the midfielder to White Hart Lane, the Liverpool player was noncommittal.
"It has been difficult this season," he said. "I find myself playing these Europa League games trying to catch up but I am still nice and positive, still myself. I know what a great job it is playing football for a living but what will be will be. Of course I still think I can make it here. There's nothing stopping me but I'll just take it day by day, step by step and we'll see where we go. I am happy, I like the lads, I like the training now, the manager has come in and been a breath of fresh air.
"Do I think I made the wrong decision to come here? As I say, it's day by day. But I'm proud to play for Liverpool. I am working hard every day and enjoying myself. So personally I will just keep going, keep working hard, doing my best and enjoying my football. It was nice to play 90 minutes in Braga. We've got good players, the club is looking really positive, going in the right direction and I am proud to be part of it."
Dalglish admitted Liverpool were fortunate to leave Portugal with only a one-goal deficit after a performance that prompted his first public criticism of the team since returning to the club. "We know one goal in our last five away from home in Europe isn't good enough," said Cole. "We are still well capable of going through but it will be a tough night next week."
Regardless of his own position at Liverpool beyond this summer, and despite the setback in Braga, Cole believes the club have the managerial team in place to move forward under Dalglish.
"I just think we have the right man here in Kenny, the fans love him," he said. "Damien Comolli's come in and brought in some fantastic players while I know Steve Clarke from Chelsea and I don't think there is a better coach around. You can just feel this club's going in the right direction but for me I will just take it day by day."
