Marc Cucurella's journey with Chelsea has been a rollercoaster, marked by a recent slump in form and a tumultuous managerial transition. The Spanish left-back, who has become a cornerstone of the club's long-term future, is now speaking out about the challenges faced by the Blues. In an exclusive interview, Cucurella reflects on the team's struggles, the impact of managerial changes, and the importance of experience in high-pressure situations.
The Slump and the Need for Experience
Chelsea's recent form has been a cause for concern, with only four wins in their last 12 games and six defeats. The low point came in their Champions League tie against Paris Saint-Germain, where they suffered an 8-2 aggregate defeat. Cucurella attributes this setback to a lack of experience, especially for players who were new to the high-stakes environment.
"We lacked experience," he says. "For a lot of players, it was the first time playing a match of that calibre, and we paid the price. You can always make a mistake, but we should have handled it better."
The 27-year-old's perspective is invaluable, given his four seasons with the club and his role as a respected voice in the dressing room. He understands the club's policy of signing young players and looking to the future, but he also emphasizes the need for a balance.
"Signing young players only might complicate achieving those goals," he notes. "Against PSG, we lacked players that had gone through situations like that. You need time as well, and I know the young players are the ones that will have the experience in the future. But you need to find the balance between both worlds."
The Impact of Enzo Maresca's Departure
The managerial drama surrounding Enzo Maresca's sudden exit from the club has also left its mark. Maresca, who led Chelsea to a Club World Cup final victory in July, was out of a job within six months, replaced by Liam Rosenior in January. Cucurella defends Rosenior's efforts, praising his ability to handle the group and his football ideas.
"Liam is a very good person and has been great at handling the group, the characters," he says. "He likes to stay close to us and his football ideas are good, but we don't have the time to train them."
However, Cucurella believes that Maresca's departure was a significant turning point, impacting the stability of the team.
"The moment Maresca left, it had a big impact on us," he says. "These are decisions taken by the club. If you asked me, I would not have made this decision. To make a change like that, the best thing is to wait until the end of the season."
The Pre-Match Huddle and the Need for Respect
One of the squad's initiatives to stay focused and united has been the pre-match huddle in the centre circle. Cucurella, however, had a strong reaction to the referee Paul Tierney's involvement in this huddle before the game against Newcastle United.
"I prefer not to speak," he says. "To me, it was a lack of respect. He could have come and told us, 'Look, you cannot do that for this reason'. But instead, he came and stayed in the middle. I don't want to speak more about it, honestly. I did not understand it. I believed he wanted to have his moment."
A Rising Star with Spain
Cucurella's journey with the Spanish national team has been a remarkable one. Initially an emergency call-up due to injuries, he became a key player in Spain's victorious Euro 2024 campaign. His performances have solidified his position as the undisputed first-choice left-back for the upcoming World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
"It's been so nice to live this process," he says. "I am thrilled to be in every single squad list. It is not easy to be here - the talent we have is unreal - and seeing this path, arriving as a prospect and now being a trusted part of the team, makes me feel proud."
Despite Spain's status as defending European champions, Cucurella is brutally honest about their chances at the World Cup.
"Yes, I think so," he replies. "We have earned the right to have people believe in us. We were a bit overlooked at the last Euros. The team is full of hope for the World Cup now. De la Fuente tells us to stay true to ourselves, to trust in our abilities and keep working on the basics that made us European champions."
As Spain prepares for the tournament, Cucurella sees England as a formidable rival, praising the work of their new head coach Thomas Tuchel.
"They have always had a great squad, and now Tuchel will give them a bit of a better tactical structure," he says. "We have seen the good work he did at PSG and Chelsea. England will be a team to keep a close eye on."
In conclusion, Marc Cucurella's insights offer a rare glimpse into the challenges faced by a Premier League club in the midst of a slump and a period of managerial transition. His honest reflections on the team's struggles and the importance of experience provide a valuable perspective for fans and analysts alike.
