2026-04-17 09:29:13
Ashley Cole felt “discouraged” by the lack of managerial opportunities in English football.
The former England defender took his first management job with Italian second-tier side Cesena last month and explained that he decided to take “a massive leap of faith” as he was frustrated at not getting a chance in the English game.
Cole, who has previously worked on the coaching staff at Everton, Birmingham City and England’s Under-21 side, told BBC Sport: “I was getting kind of discouraged by a lack of opportunities, from some clubs in England I spoke to.
“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?
“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.
“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.
“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.”
Cole – who won three Premier League titles and 107 England caps during a stellar playing career – explained that he doesn’t see himself as superior to anyone at Cesena and has embraced the club’s underdog spirit.
The former Arsenal and Chelsea full-back said: “I don’t see myself above anyone at this club. Of course I have to be the leader of the group, but I’ll pick up a cone.
“I liked that the owners have a similar background to me – hard work, graft, underdogs nobody believed in – but they created a really successful business.
“They also wanted someone to believe in them and give them a chance.”
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