Ashley Cole has taken his first step into management with Italian Serie B side Cesena, echoing the moves that Enzo Maresca and Chelsea legend Cesc Fabregas made.
Ashley Cole’s transition into coaching has been a patient, seven-year education. Since retiring in 2019, Cole has built his credentials, starting in Chelsea’s youth academy before becoming a trusted lieutenant to Frank Lampard at Everton and Chelsea, and later supporting Wayne Rooney at Birmingham City.
His most significant impact came within the England setup, where he served as Lee Carsley’s assistant for both the Under-21s’ European Championship triumph and the senior team’s interim period in late 2024.
Now tasked with reviving a side that had gone seven games without a victory, Cole’s move to Italy reflects a desire to prove himself away from the British spotlight.
A move that both Cesc Fabregas and Enzo Maresca took to kickstart their careers.
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Enzo Maresca and Cesc Fabregas took Serie B jobs
Ashley Cole is treading a path successfully blazed by fellow Chelsea icons Cesc Fabregas and Enzo Maresca, who both used Serie B as their managerial springboard.
Fabregas began his journey at Como, initially as an assistant and interim coach, before leading them to Serie A promotion and currently fighting for a Champions League spot.
Similarly, Maresca took his first senior role at Parma in 2021; though he was dismissed early on, that experience was the vital foundation for his later success with Leicester and Chelsea.
By joining Cesena, Cole is embracing the same Italian education to refine his tactical identity in a high-pressure environment.
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Ashley Cole speaks out on his managerial move
Speaking to Four Four Two, Ashley Cole has shared why now is the right time to make the jump into management.
“Yeah, for sure. I think I’ve done my development, if you want to call it my scholarship of being a coach.
“I’ve been doing it for maybe seven years now, from when I worked with younger players to find my voice and find myself as a coach.
“Now certainly six or seven years down the line, I think I’m ready to lead a group. I have belief in myself.”
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