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Former Chelsea and Arsenal defender Ashley Cole has taken his first senior managerial role in Italy, joining Cesena FC after growing frustrated with limited opportunities in England.
The ex-England national football team defender, who earned 107 caps during his playing career, admitted he had begun to lose hope after several unsuccessful approaches to clubs back home.
“I was getting kind of discouraged by a lack of opportunities, from some clubs in England I spoke to,” Cole said.
After retiring, Cole built his coaching career steadily, working under Frank Lampard at Derby County before taking up roles at Chelsea FC’s academy, Everton FC and Birmingham City FC under Wayne Rooney. He also served within the England setup alongside Lee Carsley.
Despite spending nearly seven years as an assistant, he said many clubs questioned his readiness to step up.
“They like to throw the ‘you don’t have experience’ line. And I’m like, I get what you’re saying, I agree, but how am I going to get experience?”
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“That’s the battle you have to fight as a number two for six or seven years, you have to take a leap of faith, but a club also has to take a leap of faith.”
His move to Italy also marks a return to familiar ground, having played for AS Roma towards the end of his career. He described the opportunity as significant, both professionally and personally.
“I don’t think there are too many Black English coaches working in Italy, so yes, it is a massive leap of faith from them and I’m very proud to be here,” he said.
Cole believes Cesena FC offers the right environment to begin his journey as a head coach and shape his own identity on the touchline.
“It is a great place to be and to start. I’m glad I’m back. We’re going to do something different, a bit special,” he added.
