It has been a long road to the dugout for Ashley Cole—and an equally patient journey for his wife, Sharon Canu. Seven years after retiring from professional football, Cole has finally secured his first head coaching role with AC Cesena, bringing an end to years of preparation that often spilled into domestic life.
Dinner conversations, by Cole’s own admission, frequently turned into tactical breakdowns, with salt and pepper shakers standing in for players. “I bored her a lot,” he jokes. Now settled in Italy—a country close to both their hearts—those days may be behind them.
The couple met while Cole was playing for AS Roma, and their connection to Italy has only deepened since. “We always planned to live here,” Cole explains. “We love the food, the calmness, and the passion of the fans.”
That passion is now something Cole must channel at Cesena, a historic club currently sitting mid-table in Italy’s second division and battling for a playoff spot. For a man who once lifted major trophies with Chelsea FC, the challenge is a different one—but no less meaningful.
“I really appreciate this opportunity,” says the 45-year-old. “The seven years I’ve spent coaching have prepared me for this moment. The experiences, the hours, the managers I’ve worked with—I feel ready.”
Nestled in the heart of the Emilia-Romagna region, Cesena is a modest, working-class city with a proud footballing identity. The club has enjoyed spells in Serie A and boasts a lineage of notable names, including Massimo Ambrosini and Vincenzo Iaquinta.
Cole himself faced Cesena during his playing days in the 2014–15 season. Now, he returns with a different responsibility: to revive a team struggling for form. Appointed in March following the departure of Michele Mignani, Cole was brought in by co-owner Mike Melby to inject energy and attacking intent.
Early results have been mixed. After a defeat in his first game, Cole guided Cesena to an emphatic 3–1 victory over playoff rivals US Catanzaro 1929, reigniting belief among supporters.
“When I arrived, the team hadn’t won in six or seven games,” he says. “Confidence was low. We needed a change.”
That change is rooted in an attacking philosophy. Speaking from the stands of Stadio Dino Manuzzi, Cole outlines his approach: possession-based but forward-thinking, with emphasis on intensity, speed, and sustained pressure.
“I want us to play in the opposition’s half, to attack with purpose,” he explains. “Wingers shouldn’t be defending—they should be creating and finishing chances.”
Communication, however, remains a work in progress. Cole alternates between English and Italian, embracing the challenge of a bilingual dressing room.
“Sto migliorando il mio Italiano,” he says with a smile, before admitting, “Sono timido.”
Despite the language barrier, he believes football transcends words. “It’s about passion. The players understand that.”
With the support of staff like Nicola Capellini acting as a linguistic bridge, Cole is gradually shaping his vision. For Cesena’s fans—hard-working and deeply loyal—he knows the expectation is simple: commitment on the pitch that mirrors their own daily effort.
For Cole, the mission is clear. After years of waiting, he is finally in charge—and determined to make it count.
