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Ex-England star Ashley Cole takes first senior head coach role in Italy

From The Punch · (1d ago) English Positive tone

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Former England player Ashley Cole has taken his first senior head coaching role at Italian club Cesena FC.
  • Cole expressed frustration over a lack of opportunities in England despite years of coaching experience, stating he felt "discouraged" by repeated rejections.
  • He sees his move to Italy, where he previously played for AS Roma, as a significant opportunity and is proud to be one of few Black English coaches working in Italy.

Ashley Cole embarks on a new chapter in his coaching career, taking the helm at Cesena FC in Italy. This move marks a significant step after years of dedicated work within various coaching setups, including Chelsea's academy and roles with England's youth teams. Cole's decision to seek opportunities abroad stems from a palpable frustration with the perceived lack of chances within English football.

I was getting kind of discouraged by a lack of opportunities, from some clubs in England I spoke to.

— Ashley ColeAshley Cole explaining his frustration with the lack of coaching opportunities in England.

Cole, a veteran of 107 caps for England, voiced his disappointment at being repeatedly overlooked for senior roles back home. He highlighted a common hurdle faced by aspiring coaches: the "you don't have experience" argument, which he finds paradoxical when opportunities to gain that very experience are scarce. This sentiment underscores a broader discussion about pathways for former players into management, particularly for those from diverse backgrounds.

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?

— Ashley ColeAshley Cole discussing the challenge of gaining coaching experience in England.

His return to Italy, a country where he concluded his playing career with AS Roma, carries particular significance. Cole acknowledged the rarity of Black English coaches operating at this level in Italy, expressing pride in the "leap of faith" taken by Cesena FC. This move not only represents a personal ambition fulfilled but also potentially opens doors for others, challenging existing norms within the coaching landscape.

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.

— Ashley ColeAshley Cole reflecting on the significance of his coaching role in Italy as a Black English coach.

Cole views Cesena as the ideal starting point for his head coaching journey, expressing enthusiasm for the challenge and the potential to achieve something "special." His ambition is clear: to translate his extensive playing experience and developing coaching acumen into success on the Italian pitches, proving his readiness to lead from the front.

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.

— Ashley ColeAshley Cole expressing his excitement about starting his head coaching role at Cesena FC.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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