Joe Cole has named Real Madrid as his pick to win the Champions League this season, overlooking Premier League champions Arsenal despite their run to last year's final. The former Chelsea midfielder made his prediction on TNT Sports on the opening night of the competition, citing the return of Jose Mourinho and the final's venue as decisive factors.
Cole's Champions League prediction
Speaking to TNT Sports, Cole said: 'I've gone for Real Madrid. You look at Jose Mourinho going back there and the fact the final is at Atletico's ground. The man is just a walking Hollywood story of a manager and I can just see him doing it.'
Cole dismissed critics of Mourinho, adding: 'A lot of people have written him off but I think he's still top-drawer and actually is better suited working with that level of elite players. I fancy them. Ultimately it's about the players but you need that mix with the manager.'
The pundit also addressed a potential challenge within the Real squad: 'The only problem they need to solve is Kylian Mbappe but they can get him firing and get the team working around him. Vinicius staying was massive for the club as well.'
Arsenal's strong position
Arsenal enter the Champions League as joint-favourites alongside Barcelona and PSG, according to bookmakers. Mikel Arteta's side secured their first Premier League title since 2004 and reached the Champions League final last season, where they led against PSG but lost on penalties after conceding an equaliser.
The Gunners have started the new season with three straight Premier League wins, beating Coventry City, Aston Villa, and Chelsea. Arteta strengthened his squad over the summer with the signings of Brazil midfielder Bruno Guimaraes, England defender Ezri Konsa, and Greece winger Christos Tzolis.
Arsenal begin their Champions League campaign on Wednesday night against Napoli, a match that will test their European credentials.
Real Madrid's opening win
Mourinho's Real Madrid opened their Champions League campaign with a 2-1 victory over Inter Milan on Tuesday night. Goals from Kylian Mbappe and Federico Valverde in the first half put Los Blancos in control, though Inter pulled one back through Carlos Augusto on 77 minutes. The Italian champions could not find an equaliser, and Real Madrid held on for the win.
The result came after Real Madrid lost to Real Betis at the weekend, leaving them three points behind La Liga champions Barcelona. Despite that setback, Cole remains confident in Mourinho's side, concluding: 'I think there's something in the air with Real Madrid, I fancy them in the Champions League this season.'
