Ashley Cole Says England 'Discouraged' Coaching Dreams, Italy Gave Him Manager Job
Ashley Cole, who played 107 times for England, says people in English football discouraged him from becoming a head coach. The former defender took his first manager job at Italian club Cesena FC instead.
Ashley Cole, one of England's most experienced players with 107 caps, says his home country pushed him away from coaching. The former Chelsea and Arsenal defender claims people in English football's system discouraged him from pursuing head coach roles.
Instead, Cole found opportunity abroad. He recently became manager of Cesena FC, a team in Italy's second division called Serie B. His contract runs until June 2026.
Cole ranks seventh on England's all-time appearances list. He won Premier League titles and played in World Cups during his career. But when he wanted to move into coaching, he felt unwelcome in England.
The 44-year-old describes his start in Italy as a 'whirlwind' experience. He says he wants to establish himself as a manager by doing things his own way at Cesena.
This follows a pattern of English coaches and players finding more opportunities in other countries. Cole's move highlights potential problems in how England develops its coaching talent.
This shows how English football may be losing talented coaches to other countries. It also highlights barriers that former players face when trying to move into management roles.
Watch how Cole performs in his first season managing Cesena FC in Italy's Serie B.
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