‘Fireworks’ – Jose Mourinho would be perfect for struggling Premier League club

Joe Cole believes Jose Mourinho would thrive at West Ham, if the club were to part ways with Graham Potter.

The ‘Special One‘ is currently out of work following his dismissal as Fenerbahce boss on Friday, just two days after failing to qualify for the Champions League.

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Mourinho had only taken charge of the Turkish giants a year previously, and lost just 11 times in 62 games during this time.

And while the iconic manager has only been out of work for just over a day, it hasn’t stopped the footballing world from speculating where he could go next.

Among the sides touted as potential next destinations are West Ham, who have endured a difficult start to the season.

The Irons are one of two Premier League sides yet to register a point from their opening two games, losing heavily in both, as well as being knocked out of the Carabao Cup by Wolves.

After suffering a 3-0 opening defeat to Sunderland, the Hammers were then thrashed 5-1 by Chelsea at the London Stadium.

Their worrying form has already seen Graham Potter come under pressure, despite only taking charge in east London in January.

And while former West Ham star Cole admitted he would like to see the current head coach given more time, he couldn’t help but share his excitement over the possibility of Mourinho taking charge.

Speaking on talkSPORT Drive, the ex-Chelsea star said: “First of all I’d like to see Graham be given time, so I want to say that first.

“I know it’s not looking good for him and he seems like a good man.”

Then discussing Mourinho, he said: “But I think it’ll be fireworks if they were together – good fireworks. I think it’ll be good.”

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Despite this, Cole went on to stress that he feels West Ham should persist with Potter, insisting he is still working to undo overlying issues from former boss Julen Lopetegui’s reign.

The Spaniard took over from David Moyes ahead of the 2024/25 season, but lasted just seven months before he was sacked.

Lopetegui recorded just seven wins and ten defeats in 22 games, while Potter has now charted just five wins in as many games.

Cole continued: “I know this will probably get clipped up. But I think Potter should be given time.

“I think he should be given at least until Christmas, and at least the opportunity to bring players in. 

“Because I think when he got the job at West Ham, [there was] the David Moyes era, then Lopetegui – he came in and it was almost like an operation in how to unfold good work and destroy a club.

“And then you’re starting from not just starting from scratch, you’re starting from minus.”

And while Cole admitted Mourinho would be an exciting appointment at his former club, it may well be one of West Ham’s biggest rivals who the legendary manager has his eye on.

In October last year, Mourinho named Millwall as the surprise club he would consider managing, who are based closed to his London home.

The 61-year-old had once suggested his next team would be a relegation-threatened side in England, after a European clash with former employers Manchester United.

When probed as to who this might be in an interview with Sky Sports, he replied: “Millwall. I just have to cross the bridge from my house. Millwall!”

And unfortunately for Hammers fans, the three-time Premier League winning coach may well have ruled taking the role at the London Stadium for the foreseeable future.

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He later clarified he had no intention of taking charge of a relegation-threatened side, seemingly ruling out 20th-placed West Ham for now.

Mourinho said: “I’m not going to fight relegation. It’s too hard! Honestly, I believe that has to be the hardest thing.

“It’s more difficult than playing for titles. It has to be very hard emotionally, because it’s something that changes lives. I think it’s brave guys that do it.”