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Ashley Cole takes first manager role, follows Fabregas path

Originally posted on HITC | By Luke Randall | Last updated Mar 17, 2026 9:31 AM ET

Ashley Cole has begun his managerial career with Serie B side Cesena, following a path similar to the ones taken by Enzo Maresca and former Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas.

Since hanging up his boots in 2019, Cole has steadily built up his coaching credentials. He began in the youth ranks at Chelsea before joining Frank Lampard’s staff at both Everton and back at Stamford Bridge. Later, he linked up with Wayne Rooney during his time at Birmingham City.

Cole’s most notable role came with England, where he was assistant to Lee Carsley during the Under-21 European Championship win and also helped out during the senior team’s interim period in late 2024.

Taking over a team that hadn’t won in seven games, Cole’s move to Italy looks like an attempt to prove himself away from the glare of British media.

It’s a route that both Fabregas and Maresca took early in their careers.

Enzo Maresca and Cesc Fabregas began their managerial careers in Serie B

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Ashley Cole is following a similar route to those taken by former Chelsea figures Enzo Maresca and Cesc Fabregas, who both began their coaching journeys in Italy’s second division.

Fabregas started at Como, first as an assistant and interim coach. He then guided the club to Serie A promotion and is now competing for a Champions League spot.

Maresca’s career began with Parma back in 2021. While his tenure there was short-lived, it laid the groundwork for his later roles at Leicester City and Chelsea.

Cole’s decision to take over at Cesena puts him on a similar path, hoping that time spent developing his coaching style under pressure can pay off later down the road. The pressures of managing Cesena could provide the kind of tough environment that shapes future top-tier managers.