marc cucurella
Chelsea have firmly decided against letting Marc Cucurella leave Stamford Bridge this summer, despite reported interest from Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr. The Spanish international, who has become a pivotal figure under head coach Enzo Maresca, has played over 5000 minutes for Chelsea and Spain, showcasing his resilience and adaptability. Once criticized by his own supporters, Cucurella has turned his fortunes around, becoming a mainstay in the team’s lineup.
Marc Cucurella said: “It was tough at the beginning because I think I’m not a player that has the quality to take the ball and change the game in one action and pass three players. I’m more of a player that needs to have the team playing well to show my qualities. So at the beginning, it was very tough because the team didn’t have maybe identity or didn’t have a clear way to play. I think I struggled a little there and then I understood that the club paid a lot of money for me so they expect that I am a machine and I score every game! So when I played at other clubs, it’s like when we win, I’m very happy, if we draw it’s another point, don’t get relegated. The first games [at Chelsea] I don’t feel like I enjoyed, because it’s like, me for example, when I win, it’s very important, but when you join here, it’s like ‘you win, ok, it’s your job’ and you don’t celebrate. I know that if everyday I try to give my best, it’s only the best for me so I’m always thinking about it and I can then show my qualities. The most important thing, it’s difficult, but it’s to not lose my confidence. I’m the same player that I was when I signed in my first years but now I have more confidence on me, I trust my quality and it’s difficult to understand that when you play a good game, you’re not the best and when you play a bad game, you’re not the worst. You need to always try to stay in the same line. It’s an important thing to learn in the big clubs.”
Since his £60 million move from Brighton three years ago, Cucurella has faced significant pressure to justify his price tag. However, under Maresca’s guidance, he has flourished, proving his worth and silencing critics. His journey from being booed by fans to becoming a crucial member of the squad highlights his perseverance and growth as a player. Chelsea’s decision to retain Cucurella underscores their belief in his capabilities and importance to the team’s future ambitions.
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