Ashley Cole's "intensity and passion" has been praised after he was spotted giving Chelsea's struggling defence a pre-game pep talk.
Chelsea were dumped out of the Champions League by Real Madrid on Tuesday. Carlo Ancelotti's side won the first leg 2-0 in Spain last week before achieving the same result at Stamford Bridge. The result means Chelsea will finish the season without silverware.
Despite the loss, Chelsea first-team coach Cole did everything he could to rally the troops before the game. The former left-back was filmed talking the five-man defence; passionately barking orders and ramming his right fist into his other hand.
Ahead of kick-off, Cole grabbed Marc Cucurella, Wesley Fofana, Reece James, Thiago Silva and Trevoh Chalobah for a chat. His passion was obvious, shouting at fellow left-back Cucurella to ensure manager Frank Lampard's instructions were crystal clear.
BT Sport posted footage of Cole on Twitter ahead of the game, much to the delight of Chelsea fans. One fan tweeted: "Absolutely love this from Ashley Cole. Feel like we've got no chance, but that's the passion we need today."
Another wrote: "Makes me smile seeing Ashley Cole back on the Stamford Bridge turf passionately trying to motivate the players." BT Sport presenter Jake Humphrey was also impressed with Cole. He tweeted: "LOVE this intensity and passion from Ashley Cole."
What do you make of Ashley Cole's pep talk? Let us know in the comments below!
Ex-defender Cole moved into coaching after a glittering playing career. He represented England 107 times at senior level - making him his country's most-capped full-back - and represented Arsenal, Crystal Palace, Chelsea, Roma, LA Galaxy and Derby.
Cole won three Premier League titles, the Champions League and various other trophies during his time at Arsenal and Chelsea. Perhaps his most remarkable achievement was winning the FA Cup seven times, the most wins ever achieved by a player.
Cole moved into coaching after hanging up his boots and has since worked at Derby, Everton and now Chelsea under Lampard. Since July 2021, Cole has combined his club roles with the England U21 assistant manager role. Lee Carsley is the U21 boss.
Despite Cole's passion and experience, Chelsea's defence failed to stop Real Madrid's superb attack on Tuesday. Rodrygo scored a brace to send the holders into the semi-finals, where they will face the winners of Bayern Munich's tie with Manchester City. The second leg takes place on Wednesday, with Pep Guardiola's side boasting a 3-0 advantage.
Chelsea's defeat on Tuesday means Lampard has lost all four of his games in charge since being reappointed as caretaker manager earlier this month. There is a possibility Lampard will be sacked before the end of the season unless results improve.
"You're playing for Chelsea - so regardless, every game you play you have to give everything," Lampard told BT Sport after Tuesday's game. "I won't let anyone off the hook. I've been here now for only two weeks so I'm hungry."
