Ashley Cole's first match as head coach of Serie B side Cesena ended in a 3-0 defeat. The former Arsenal, Chelsea and England left-back was appointed in mid-March, taking over a team that had not won in six or seven games and was low on confidence.
Cole, 45, said: 'When I arrived the team hadn’t won in six or seven games. Confidence was low.' He acknowledged the challenge of implementing his style: 'If I did the same thing as the previous manager, it wouldn’t work.'
The defeat came despite a promising start to his tenure, which included a memorable 3-1 win against fellow playoff contenders Catanzaro. Cole has been tasked with reviving Cesena's fortunes by the club's American co-owners, who wanted an exciting, energetic team that plays on the front foot.
Cole's appointment marks his first head coaching role after seven years as a coach. He said: 'While it is true this is my first head coaching role, the body of work I’ve done over my seven years on the grass means there is nothing more I could do to prepare.'
