Ashley Cole’s managerial career got off to a disastrous start this week, as his Italian Serie B side Cesena FC fell to a 3-0 away defeat.
The 45-year-old was announced as head coach until the end of the season on Sunday, a day after the club had sacked previous manager Michele Mignani. Cole’s stint in Italy would be extended, the club said, if ‘certain conditions’ were met.
But there was no sign of a new-manager bounce in Tuesday night’s performance, with his side conceding three times and failing to get on the scoresheet against Mantova, who had started the game seven places below them in the table.
Things took a tricky turn early on at the Stadio Danilo Martelli when Cesena’s Giovanni Zaro scored an own goal in the sixth minute to hand the hosts the lead.
Cesena reached the break only one goal down, but conceded again 12 minutes after the restart when Andrea Meroni found the net.
To add insult to injury, Leonardo Mancuso struck Mantova’s third in the third minute of stoppage time, leaving Cole’s side to make the 122-mile journey home with a dent in their push for a play-off place.
There was no sign of a new-manager bounce in Tuesday night’s performance, with Ashley Cole’s side conceding three times and failing to get on the scoresheet
To add insult to injury, Leonardo Mancuso struck Mantova’s third in the third minute of stoppage time
Cesana are currently eighth in Italy’s second tier, occupying the final play off spot one point ahead of ninth-placed Avellino.
Cole, who was all smiles before the game and gave a thumbs up to the travelling support, appeared frustrated by the final whistle.
Cole will not have long to dwell on the defeat, with Cesena set to face US Catanzaro -who sit three places above them in Serie B – on Saturday in his first home game at the Stadio Dino Manuzzi.
The former Arsenal and Chelsea defender has worked as a coach at various levels since retiring from football in 2019, most recently with the Football Association as a full-time national coach.
Cole has also served as Frank Lampard’s assistant at Everton and Chelsea, and held the same role at Birmingham City during Wayne Rooney’s tenure.
The 107-cap England international later worked with the Under-21 national side and assisted Lee Carsley with the senior squad.
The move to Italy, however, marks Cole’s first role as a manager in his own right.
He will be joined by Chelsea academy coach Jack Mesure on a contract until 30 June, with the club holding an option to extend it should certain targets be met.
As a player, Cole made more than 700 appearances before retiring with Derby County in 2019.
Cole will not have long to dwell on the defeat, with Cesena set to face US Catanzaro -who sit three places above them in Serie B – on Saturday in his first home game
He won the Champions League with Chelsea, as well as a Premier League title and four FA Cups during his time at Stamford Bridge. He also lifted the Europa League, League Cup and Community Shield with the Blues.
Cole joined Chelsea after breaking through at Arsenal, where he won two Premier League titles, three FA Cups and two Community Shields.
He has also played on Italian soil, having joined Serie A giants AS Roma from Chelsea in 2014, spending two years in Rome before moving to LA Galaxy and finishing his career at Derby.
Cole was married to Girls Aloud star Cheryl Tweedy during his playing career. The couple divorced in 2010 after four years of marriage.
