Ashley Cole, a former England international and Premier League champion, has embarked on a new chapter in his career as a head coach with Cesena in Italy's Serie B. This journey is not just about the transition from playing to coaching; it's a personal and professional evolution that has been years in the making. Cole's appointment is a testament to his dedication and the trust he has in his abilities, despite the initial skepticism that surrounded his first managerial role.
Cole's journey to the dugout has been a long and challenging one. It took seven years for him to secure his first coaching job, with Cesena, after his retirement from playing. During this period, his wife, Sharon Canu, bore the brunt of his tactical briefings, often with salt and pepper shakers as props. Their love story, which began a decade ago when Cole played for Roma and Canu was from Italy, has now taken a turn towards management, with Sharon's support and understanding of the local culture and passion for the game.
Cesena, a working-class city in Italy's Emilia-Romagna region, is a far cry from the glamour of Premier League and Champions League titles. The club, currently sitting ninth in Serie B, is fighting for a playoff place. Cole's appointment was a strategic move by the club's American co-owners, who sought a change in style, favoring an exciting, energetic team that plays on the front foot. His first game in charge was a loss, but the subsequent 3-1 win against Catanzaro sent the home crowd into raptures, signaling a turning point.
Cole's football philosophy is a blend of possession-based, attacking play with a focus on intensity and speed. He emphasizes the importance of control of the ball, which opens up opportunities to attack and press effectively. He also stresses the need for wingers to be on the ball in front of the goal, rather than defending, and for midfielders to be box-to-box engines, adapting their style to their attributes.
One of the challenges Cole faces is the defensive reality of Serie B, where teams often employ low blocks and 10 players behind the ball. He acknowledges the need for patience and control of the ball to break down these defenses. His approach to communication in the dressing room and on the training pitch is a mix of English and Italian, with the help of staff member Nicola Capellini, who acts as a bridge between the two languages.
Cole's coaching style is inclusive and human. He encourages the players to call him by his first name, 'Mister', and emphasizes the importance of building trust. He is not a coach who expects players to be replicas of himself, but rather adapts his approach to the individual, taking into account their physical and mental attributes. This flexibility is a key part of his coaching philosophy.
Cole is also critical of the state of Italian youth football, particularly the defensive-minded approach that often stifles technical development. He advocates for a more balanced approach, where technical players are nurtured and allowed to develop their skills. He believes that the loan system in England is superior because it offers players different styles of play, which is essential for their growth.
Despite the challenges, Cole is confident about Cesena's future. He aims to take the club back to Serie A, and his belief in the team's potential is evident in his words. He sees a dramatic change in the players' mentality, with a newfound embrace of change and a desire to improve. This transformation is a key part of his strategy, and he is determined to see it through.
As Cole embarks on this new chapter, he reflects on his journey and the lessons he has learned from his time as a player under top managers like José Mourinho, Arsène Wenger, Carlo Ancelotti, and Rafa Benítez. He emphasizes the importance of trust, adaptability, and a human approach to coaching. With his experience, passion, and strategic mindset, Cole is poised to make a significant impact on Cesena's future, both on and off the pitch.
