Joe Cole believes Arsenal won't emerge victorious in the Champions League, despite Mikel Arteta's team reaching last season's final. The former England player has placed his bets on Jose Mourinho's Real Madrid.
Last season, Arsenal clinched the Premier League title for the first time since 2004 and made it to the Champions League final, only to fall to PSG in a penalty shootout. This summer, they've bolstered their squad with the signings of Bruno Guimaraes, Ezri Konsa, and Christos Tsolis, commencing the new Premier League season with three straight wins.
However, Cole firmly believes the top European trophy will go to Real Madrid.
Speaking on TNT Sports, Cole stated:
I’ve gone for Real Madrid. Just take a look at Jose Mourinho's return and the fact that the final is happening at Atletico's stadium. His coaching career feels like a Hollywood script, and I can see him doing it again.
Many have written him off, but I still consider him a top-class manager. Furthermore, I believe he’s more suited to working with players of this calibre.
I have faith in them. Ultimately, it's the players who decide, but there needs to be the right balance between the team and the manager.
The only challenge they need to address involves Kylian Mbappe. If they can maximise his potential and build the team around him effectively, it could all fall into place. Moreover, Vinicius staying is hugely significant for the club.
I sense a special feeling around Real Madrid right now. This season, I'm backing them in the Champions League.
Mourinho's side kicked off their European campaign with a 2-1 victory over Inter, with Kylian Mbappe and Federico Valverde scoring in the first half before Carlos Augusto's goal saw Madrid hold on to their slender lead.
