Ashley Cole was surprisingly appointed as head coach of Serie B side Cesena last month and has now revealed the fight he has faced in order to secure his first managerial job
Ashley Cole
Ashley Cole was appointed as Cesena boss last month(Image: Getty Images)
View 2 Images
Chelsea icon Ashley Cole says he was left ‘discouraged’ by a lack of job opportunities within English football ahead of his surprise move to Cesena. The former England left-back [was appointed as the Serie B club’s head coach](http://Ashley Cole opens up on ‘leap of faith’ after Chelsea icon lands surprise job) last month in what is his first managerial job.
Cole has won one of his four games so far at the helm, that run of form leaving Cesena sitting eighth in the second tier of Italian football. In explaining his decision to move to Italy, Cole has suggested that he was forced to look abroad after being left frustrated with the opportunities on offer in England.
"I was getting kind of discouraged by a lack of opportunities, from some clubs in England I spoke to," Cole said to BBC Sport. “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."
And while Cole struggled to find a job in England, it is not an issue limited to just him. He has suggested that it is a problem facing a number of promising coaches.
He added: "It's clear there are a lot of ex‑black players but not a lot of ex‑black coaches. Are they doing their coaching badges? Yes, they are. Are they applying for jobs? Yes, they are.
Ashley Cole
Ashley Cole has won once as Cesena boss so far(Image: Getty Images)
View 2 Images
"That's clear - that's a fact. If that is the case, then for sure there is a problem. But I can't comment on things I don't know."
Cole’s remit is to now help Cesena into Serie A but the former England man is keen to eventually claim some silverware during his managerial career.
He said: "I am not going to be a Jose Mourinho - I don't hold that stature or respect because I haven't won anything. Carlo Ancelotti is cool and calm - and a successful player and manager - so I can't be him. I can't be a Rafa Benitez.
"I have to take little bits from them, be myself and trust my process, and focus on Cesena. I want to work and hopefully, one day, I can win a trophy."
Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Content Image
Content Image