Chelsea defender Ashley Cole has praised former boss Jose Mourinho amid speculation over current manager Andre Villas-Boas's future.

Mourinho won five trophies in three years at Stamford Bridge, developing a strong bond with his players and fans throughout that time, and Cole has fond memories of 'The Special One's' time at the club.

"Mourinho was a nice guy and a good man manager," he told Sky Sports News.

"If you had any problems you could go into his office and speak to him. He always backed you; he'd take one for the team as we say.

"If there was something going on he would put all the limelight on him to take it away from the players in certain big games which is always good in a manager. He got the best out of players."

Cole's words come at a time when Villas-Boas is thought to be at loggerheads with a number of his senior players.