Ashley Cole with England
Ashley Cole's former assistant Omer Riza hasn't ruled out the pair working together again after revealing why they left Cesena.
The former Cardiff City boss made a surprise return to the dugout at the Italian second-tier side as the England legend's No.2 in April.
Ashley Cole, head coach of Cesena, watches the Serie B match between Palermo FC and Cesena FC3
Cesena slid from 8th down to 11th in the table during Cole's three-month tenure
Riza, who had been out of work since leaving the Bluebirds 12 months prior, came through the Arsenal academy at the same time as Cole.
The 46-year-old offered an experienced helping hand to his ex-youth teammate in what was his first foray into senior management.
FormerArsenal,ChelseaandEnglandstar Cole took charge of Cesena in March on a deal until the end of the 2025/26 season.
However, the 107-cap Three Lions international left the Italian Serie B club in June after winning just one of his eight games at the helm.
In his exit statement, Cole revealed that it was his decision to walk away from the post after a strategy change from higher-ups.
His ex-assistant Riza has now confirmed exactly what that involved during his appearance on talkSPORT's EFL All Access Podcast.
Real reason Ashley Cole left Cesena
On the experience as a whole, ex-Leyton Orient coach Riza told talkSPORT's Hugh Woozencroft: "That was really good.
"We went in there; obviously, it's a different mentality, different game style out there. We were just outside the playoffs, and we went in with eyes wide open, really.
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Ashley Cole of Cesena and Riccardo Ciervo of Cesena during the Serie B match between Mantova 1911 SSD and AC Cesena3
Cole stepped away following discussions with the sporting director regarding selling the club's best players
"I think the remit was to worry more about what's coming next season," He continued.
"We want to build, we want to go for the league next season, and we want to bring in players that can help to do that.
"Unfortunately, towards the back end of the season, the board sort of changed their mind on what they wanted to do.
"And they wanted to sell their best players. They wanted to bring all the youth through, and they wanted to sort of manage just about trying to stay in the league.
"So it wasn't something that we - Ashley and myself - felt that it was the right sort of job at the time to stay on.
"But it was a really good experience. A different style of play again and something to bring back, hopefully, when I get a new job."
Omer Riza, Manager of Cardiff City, looks on during the Sky Bet Championship match between Queens Park Rangers FC and Cardiff City FC at Loftus Road on April 05, 2025 in London, England3
Rize hasn't ruled out working with Cole again in the future
Ashley Cole's next job
talkSPORT reported last month that Cole has stepped away from his coaching role with England's Under-21s as he ponders his next move.
The 45-year-old also served as assistant to Lee Carsley when he took charge of the senior team on an interim basis two years ago.
Riza, meanwhile, hasn't had a head coach role since being sacked by Cardiff following a run of just one win in nine games in April 2025.
Asked whether his partnership with Cole could be one that continues at a new team, he replied: "Yeah, potentially, we get on really well.
"We've known each other for a long, long time. Go back to when we were both at Arsenal and obviously, both our careers.
"You can never say never with anything; Ashley and I get on really well. We work really well together.
"He's looking for a job at the moment. I'm looking for a job at the moment.
"But if something comes up that's good for both, then I don't see why not.