Get Robert Lewandowski and John Stones! Chelsea given transfer advice after scrapping plans to sign 'the best players in the world'

The death of the 'best in the world' mandate

In a

“Chelsea’s mandate was trying to buy the best players in the world, because we were trying to win every competition we could,” Cole said in an interview with

Stones and Lewandowski to the rescue?

To fix the fractured environment, Cole has identified Manchester City's

“I think of experienced players who can come into the squad and help out immediately,” Cole said. “So you’re looking at who’s available, I’m thinking players like John Stones. Lewandowski, he’s coming to the end of his contract, we need a centre forward. He probably fancies the Premier League and living in London, give him a year-long contract to come and play 35 games for us and help out Liam Delap and help out Joao Pedro.”

Fixing the 'broken' culture at Stamford Bridge

The lack of leadership has led to external criticism, with interim boss Calum McFarlane hitting back at Jamie Carragher recently after

“It’s like buying all the most talented scientists in the world and then putting them in a prep school without really good teachers. They’re not going to get better,” Cole warned. He even suggested that last season's move for Jordan Henderson, which was mocked by some, would have provided the necessary "intangible things" that the current squad lacks.

The return of the Special One

Beyond the playing squad, Cole believes the ultimate fix for the culture at Chelsea is a familiar face in the dugout. He has publicly

“The best move the club could make now, a realistic move as well, is to go to Jose Mourinho,” Cole insisted. “Say that this is what we can do, and just let the man take charge of the club. Just say, ‘rebuild my club for me, we’re going to step back, you get us back on track.’ Give him a long contract, and tell the players and the fans just to take the transition.”