Chelsea legend Ashley Cole has been named head coach of Serie B team Cesena. This is his first job as a senior manager. The 45-year-old takes Michele Mignani’s place. Mignani was fired after Saturday’s 2-2 draw at home against Frosinone.
Cole is already in Italy and has been meeting in person with the Cesena leadership to finish up the contract. The deal is only for the rest of the season, but it can be extended if the team’s performance meets the club’s expectations.
Cole talked honestly about how ready he is to move up to management in a recent interview:
> “I’m definitely feeling I’m nearly ready and I’m getting there. I am different. I don’t speak as well as certain managers. I have to find my way in the game. I have to find my own personality. Be authentic.”
The former left-back has extensive coaching experience, having worked in the field for many years. He worked as a coach for Chelsea and Everton, alongside Frank Lampard, and was part of Wayne Rooney’s support staff when he played for Birmingham City. Cole was also an important part of Lee Carsley’s England team, helping the Under-21s win the European Championship in 2023 and 2025.
Cole Has Work to do With Struggling Italian Second-Division Club
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Cole has a lot of work to do in Italy, though. In his last nine league games, Mignani only won once, losing six times and drawing twice. Cesena only won two games, drew two, and lost seven in 2026. This season, the club have played 30 games and won 11, drawn 7, and lost 12. They are currently in eighth place in the Serie B table.
Even though Cesena have been on a bad run, they are still in the playoff zone. Cole’s job will be to guide them through the rest of their games and into the promotion playoffs. The Seahorses are 17 points behind Palermo, who are in fourth place. This means the only realistic way to reach Serie A is through the playoffs.
Cole played for England 107 times and won three Premier League titles and the Champions League. He also played in Italy for two years at Roma from 2014 to 2016. He could make his first appearance on the Cesena dugout as soon as the midweek game against Mantova.