Marc Cucurella Urges Stability at Chelsea with Enzo Maresca’s Support

Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella has emphasized the necessity of “stability” for the Premier League club to replicate the successes he has experienced with his national team, Spain. The left-back played a significant role in Spain’s victory at Euro 2024 this past summer, yet he has faced challenges performing at club level since his move to Chelsea in a €65 million ($72.2 million) transfer from Brighton in 2022.

This season, Cucurella has started all three of Chelsea’s Premier League matches under head coach Enzo Maresca. In an interview with EFE, Cucurella expressed his satisfaction with the coaching staff. “I’m happy; I think the coach we have is very good, and he has very clear ideas,” he stated. He noted that the club has struggled with frequent coaching changes in recent years and expressed hope that the team can achieve stability moving forward.

“We need stability,” Cucurella continued. “We have very high-level players, and hopefully, we can cultivate the patience and calm needed for everything to progress positively. We possess the talent; now it’s about maintaining stability and allowing both the coaches and players to work effectively together in order to accomplish something significant.”

This summer’s bustling transfer market saw Chelsea bringing in 13 new players, including João Félix, Pedro Neto, and Jadon Sancho, which has led to shifts within the team dynamics. When asked about the impact of so many arrivals and departures on team morale, Cucurella acknowledged the difficulties involved. “It’s true that it’s difficult,” he admitted. “Here [with Spain], it’s much easier to foster a good atmosphere. At Chelsea, I make an effort, but it’s a transitional period where numerous players leave and new ones arrive.”

Cucurella quickly became a fan favorite during the Euros, establishing himself as a beloved player among teammates. He reflected on the importance of camaraderie within the team. “I try to give my best,” he said. “One of the keys to our success at the Euros was the strong bond we had as a group. In tournaments, we spend all day together. If we didn’t get along, it would have been challenging. Creating a positive atmosphere comes naturally to me.”

Looking ahead, Cucurella expressed optimism about João Félix’s return to Stamford Bridge after a challenging period at Atlético Madrid. “He showed a good level during his previous time with us,” Cucurella remarked. “Unfortunately, he got sent off in his first game due to an unintentional incident, but he had multiple opportunities to prove himself. He’s a player who can significantly contribute to our efforts.”

Adding to his appraisal of Félix, Cucurella noted the different dynamics in the Premier League compared to La Liga. “In the Premier League, there is much more space for players to operate,” he said. “Hopefully, he will enhance our game and help us achieve our goals.” The emphasis on collaboration and building a cohesive unit remains central to Cucurella’s aspirations for both himself and the team as they navigate the rigors of the season.

As Chelsea looks to settle down after a whirlwind of transfers and coaching changes, both Cucurella and his teammates understand that success in the Premier League hinges on stability. The hopes are high for the new season, with a desire for continuity and trust in the ability of players and coaches to forge a path forward.