Ashley Cole Takes First Head Coach Role in Italy After England Frustration

Former England defender Ashley Cole has said he felt discouraged by the lack of chances to become a head coach in England before taking up his first senior role in Italy.

Cole, who earned 107 caps for England, has now been appointed head coach of Cesena in the second division. It marks his first opportunity to lead a team after several years working as an assistant.

He began his coaching journey at Derby County under Frank Lampard, before moving to work in the academy at Chelsea. He later had assistant roles at Everton and Birmingham City, where he worked with Wayne Rooney. He also spent time with the England national team set-up under Lee Carseley.

Despite building nearly seven years of coaching experience, Cole said he struggled to get head coach offers in England.

He explained that clubs often told him he lacked experience, which made it difficult to take the next step in his career. According to him, both the coach and the club need to take a chance for that progress to happen.

Cole decided to move to Italy, where he previously played for AS Roma, to begin a new chapter.

He admitted it is a big step, especially as there are very few black English coaches working in Italy, but said he is proud of the opportunity.

Cole also described the move as a fresh start and believes something special can be achieved at Cesena.

At training, he has already started adapting, mostly speaking in English while adding some Italian as he settles into his new role.