Ashley Cole praises fans in first words as Cesena head coach: ‘Our values align’ | OneFootball

Former Arsenal, Chelsea and England left-back Ashley Cole has said his first words as the new head coach of Serie B side Cesena.

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Speaking at his unveiling, the Englishman said:

“The values aligned together and I was very enthusiastic when I got the call and the opportunity to come to, as I mentioned, a very good, honest respectful club and I still am enthusiastic for the future.”

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – APRIL 20: Ashley Cole, First Team Coach of Everton gestures during the warm up prior to the Premier League match between Everton and Leicester City at Goodison Park on April 20, 2022 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)

Ashley Cole – First words as Cesena head coach

Ashley Cole was announced as the Serie B side’s head coach earlier this week, in what is his first job in a managerial capacity.

It comes as a surprise to many but reports indicated that the Italian club wanted a recognisable figure from world football and Cole is familiar with club co-owner Mike Melby, from their time at LA Galaxy.

“More importantly, for me, my background, my beginning is just like the Cesena fans: very humble, good values, good loyalty and at the moment they’re giving everything for the club and I need to give something back.”

For Cole, it is a surprise opportunity to jump start a managerial career that looked as though it was never destined to arrive. He seems enthusiastic about the challenge, but once again stressed the most important thing is to reflect the fans.

“The minute I heard about this opportunity, I jumped at the chance to come here. My team needs to reflect not me, always, it needs to reflect the club, its fans and the values of these fans.”