Latest news with #Cucurella
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
How Marc Cucurella fought through hell to adjust to Chelsea's ‘expectation of winning'
As Marc Cucurella engaged in one of his last press duties of what has felt like an interminable season, the focus of a table of journalists at a New York hotel, the left-back's minute tally for the campaign sat at 4,912 for club and country. He'll expect to hit the 5,000 mark on Sunday - a figure only the most indispensable can achieve. 'I feel very good to be fair,' he insists, showing the spirit he'll need against the challenge of the electrifying PSG starlet Desire Doue. But as he stares down the prospect of ending a year of almost constant football as a world champion, Cucurella can only reflect on the imperative adjustment in mentality that brought him to this point, now one of the most relied-upon, revered starters in the Chelsea course, it wasn't always this way. Cucurella's career at Stamford Bridge got off to a nightmare start. Joining from Brighton in a deal worth £63m in August 2022, the Spaniard was thrown into the deep end of a side that 'didn't have an identity', with new owner Todd Boehly's all-guns-blazing transfer approach and spontaneous managerial turnover plummeting the club into a place of on-pitch instability. 'I'm not a player that has the quality to take the ball and change the game in one action,' Cucurella admits. '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 maybe didn't have an identity or a clear way to play.' His performance struggles, reflective of an entire team that floundered to a dismal 12th that season, led to the fans getting on his back. There was an atmosphere of expectation at Chelsea that acted as a stark shift from what Cucurella, whose senior career prior to the Premier League consisted of stints at Getafe and Eibar, two Spanish sides whose priority in LaLiga was simply survival. With the step up in quality and stature came the diminishing value of victory. 'You win? Ok, it's your job and you don't celebrate,' Cucurella says. He struggled to get his head around this. 'In first months I was like 'oh f***ing hell'. I enjoyed it more at other clubs because when you win, you are happy all week and the feeling is very different. But if you are at a big club, you need to understand this and you fight for a lot of things. Here you need to win every game because at the end of the season, you want to play for trophies and play finals. It's difficult to understand this and you need to find the motivation in different ways.' Cucurella was taken out of the Chelsea firing line in February 2023, removed from the squad by manager Graham Potter - a fellow faltering ex-Seagull - to give the Spaniard a momentary mental reprieve. At this juncture, Cucurella was at rock bottom. It wasn't until another low point that things began to turn around. 'I started to enjoy my journey here after my injury,' Cucurella says, reflecting on being sent for ankle surgery in December 2023. 'When I was injured, I was three months out, and then I had a lot of time to think about myself and to know me better and what is good for me and what I needed to work on more. This is probably the moment that changed my career. 'Yes, it was a bad moment, it was very tough for me. But then after this injury, my first game back when I played against Leicester, I scored. Then that evening, the national team called me because they had an injured left-back. Everything moved forward.' After finally earning some plaudits at Chelsea as one of the bright sparks of the underwhelming Mauricio Pochettino era, Cucurella rose to the occasion on the international stage. Among the litany of Spanish standouts that downed the competition - including England in the final - at Euro 2024, he helped guide his nation to triumph in a first major tournament since the days of Vicente del Bosque. He was playing with confidence and it showed, now with the maturity and understanding of what it takes to be a winner. In a matter of months, Cucurella went from being booed by his own fans to beloved, now only drawing the ire of the opposition. He's become arguably the best left-back in the Premier League, a staple of Enzo Maresca's fledgling regime with a newfound penchant for finding the net - last season netting seven goals from his regular forays forward. But knowing how public perception can change at the flip of a switch at this level, he remains to determined not to let the noise get to him again - whether positive or negative. 'The most important thing, it's difficult, but it's to not lose my confidence,' Cucurella says. 'I'm the same player that I was when I signed in my first years. 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.' From a man who once struggled to come to terms with the expectation of winning, Cucurella now verges on immortality with the Blues. There is one game left of this behemoth of a season, and it's against European champions PSG in the inaugural Club World Cup final. Contrary to the tournament's detractors, the stakes are high for Cucurella, who wants his place in history. 'All the people will remember us because it's the first club to win this trophy.' But as the 2024/25 campaign ticks over to 329 days, a duration indicative of an over-crowded football calendar, Cucurella will not let Sunday's outcome impact what little time he will have dedicated to spending with his family. He's a father and husband first, and promises to switch off from football entirely once the tournament is concluded, having only three weeks of downtime at his disposal before he's required for pre-season. 'I have spent a lot of time away from my kids,' he says. 'We have booked a cruise with the kids with Disney. I will need to watch all the cartoons, just enjoy what they want to do. Try to spend time with them. The most important thing is that when I'm with them I don't think about football and I think only to enjoy these moments.' Watch every Fifa Club World Cup game free on DAZN. Sign up here now.
Canada Standard
6 days ago
- Sport
- Canada Standard
Cole Palmer leads Chelsea over PSG to win Club World Cup
(Photo credit: Mike Segar-Reuters via Imagn Images) EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- Chelsea were clear underdogs before the FIFA Club World Cup final. Cole Palmer didn't seem to mind, and the pressure of a global stage didn't slow him down. Palmer rang up two goals and one assist in a sensational first half and Chelsea toppled Paris Saint-Germain 3-0 to win the FIFA Club World Cup on Sunday. The 23-year-old winger scored in the 22nd and 30th minutes and Joao Pedro tacked on the third goal right before halftime, capitalizing on Palmer's fine touch into the box. Robert Sanchez, meanwhile, saved six shots in his best showing of the tournament. Chelsea, who won the 2021 Club World Cup that featured only eight teams, battled past Portugal's Benfica and Brazilian sides Palmeiras and Fluminense in the knockouts to face Paris Saint-Germain -- six weeks removed from their first UEFA Champions League trophy. The European champions had allowed just one goal in their first six matches of the Cup. But on Sunday, PSG's Gianluigi Donnarumma saved just two of five shots on goal. The frustrated Parisians went down to 10 men in the 85th minute when Joao Neves pulled Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella by the hair, was caught on video review and shown red. Altercations spilled past the final whistle, and PSG coach Luis Enrique appeared to grab at Pedro's neck while he and Donnarumma confronted Chelsea players. 'This was completely avoidable at the end,' Enrique said in translated remarks. 'My goal was always to separate footballers, there was a lot of tension and pressure, there was a whole bunch of pushing that we should all try to avoid. My intention is to avoid it getting worse.'The final capped the end of a month-long tournament with 32 teams representing six continents, a test run for the United States before it co-hosts next year's World Cup with Canada and Donald Trump attended the final as a guest of FIFA president Gianni Infantino. Trump presented Chelsea the trophy and stayed on stage to celebrate with the his first year as manager, Enzo Maresca guided the Blues to a 2025-26 Champions League berth and won two trophies, the Club World Cup following their victory in the UEFA Conference League.'I'm especially happy for the players, because just one year ago when I came to the club, I said since the first press conference ... We said many times that talent is not enough,' Maresca said. 'We need sacrifice, we need readiness, we need a game plan with all the players (facing) the same way. The success is because of them.' Cucurella made a crucial stop to keep the game scoreless in the 16th minute. Fabian Ruiz made a great pass across the box to Desire Doue, who could have shot it but instead tried a centering pass to a teammate that Cucurella intercepted. Six minutes later, Palmer -- whose first attempt barely missed wide left in the eighth -- got the scoring started. Malo Gusto picked up a wayward header from PSG's Nuno Mendes and ran into the box. After a fancy dribble to create space, his shot was blocked right back to his feet, so he fed Palmer for a left-footer to the bottom left corner. Levi Colwill earned the assist on the second goal for his long ball downfield to Palmer. From there, Palmer calmly dribbled toward the center of the 18-yard line and fired the same low, left-footer for an identical goal. In the 43rd, Palmer tapped a pass between two defenders for Pedro, who popped his shot over a sprawling Donnarumma's right shoulder. Sanchez dove to meet Neves' stoppage-time header just before the goal line. His heroics continued in the second half, as he swatted away a shot by Ousmane Dembele from close range. Palmer was named Player of the Tournament. His three goals and two assists, tied for the most goal contributions of any player, all came during the knockout to broadcaster DAZN postgame, Palmer praised Maresca's game plan for giving him opportunities and said he had to 'repay' the manager by scoring some goals.'He's building something special, something important,' Palmer said. 'We're a young team. ... I feel like we're going in the right direction.'--Adam Zielonka, Field Level Media
Canada News.Net
6 days ago
- Sport
- Canada News.Net
Cole Palmer leads Chelsea over PSG to win Club World Cup
(Photo credit: Mike Segar-Reuters via Imagn Images) EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- Chelsea were clear underdogs before the FIFA Club World Cup final. Cole Palmer didn't seem to mind, and the pressure of a global stage didn't slow him down. Palmer rang up two goals and one assist in a sensational first half and Chelsea toppled Paris Saint-Germain 3-0 to win the FIFA Club World Cup on Sunday. The 23-year-old winger scored in the 22nd and 30th minutes and Joao Pedro tacked on the third goal right before halftime, capitalizing on Palmer's fine touch into the box. Robert Sanchez, meanwhile, saved six shots in his best showing of the tournament. Chelsea, who won the 2021 Club World Cup that featured only eight teams, battled past Portugal's Benfica and Brazilian sides Palmeiras and Fluminense in the knockouts to face Paris Saint-Germain -- six weeks removed from their first UEFA Champions League trophy. The European champions had allowed just one goal in their first six matches of the Cup. But on Sunday, PSG's Gianluigi Donnarumma saved just two of five shots on goal. The frustrated Parisians went down to 10 men in the 85th minute when Joao Neves pulled Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella by the hair, was caught on video review and shown red. Altercations spilled past the final whistle, and PSG coach Luis Enrique appeared to grab at Pedro's neck while he and Donnarumma confronted Chelsea players. 'This was completely avoidable at the end,' Enrique said in translated remarks. 'My goal was always to separate footballers, there was a lot of tension and pressure, there was a whole bunch of pushing that we should all try to avoid. My intention is to avoid it getting worse.'The final capped the end of a month-long tournament with 32 teams representing six continents, a test run for the United States before it co-hosts next year's World Cup with Canada and Donald Trump attended the final as a guest of FIFA president Gianni Infantino. Trump presented Chelsea the trophy and stayed on stage to celebrate with the his first year as manager, Enzo Maresca guided the Blues to a 2025-26 Champions League berth and won two trophies, the Club World Cup following their victory in the UEFA Conference League.'I'm especially happy for the players, because just one year ago when I came to the club, I said since the first press conference ... We said many times that talent is not enough,' Maresca said. 'We need sacrifice, we need readiness, we need a game plan with all the players (facing) the same way. The success is because of them.' Cucurella made a crucial stop to keep the game scoreless in the 16th minute. Fabian Ruiz made a great pass across the box to Desire Doue, who could have shot it but instead tried a centering pass to a teammate that Cucurella intercepted. Six minutes later, Palmer -- whose first attempt barely missed wide left in the eighth -- got the scoring started. Malo Gusto picked up a wayward header from PSG's Nuno Mendes and ran into the box. After a fancy dribble to create space, his shot was blocked right back to his feet, so he fed Palmer for a left-footer to the bottom left corner. Levi Colwill earned the assist on the second goal for his long ball downfield to Palmer. From there, Palmer calmly dribbled toward the center of the 18-yard line and fired the same low, left-footer for an identical goal. In the 43rd, Palmer tapped a pass between two defenders for Pedro, who popped his shot over a sprawling Donnarumma's right shoulder. Sanchez dove to meet Neves' stoppage-time header just before the goal line. His heroics continued in the second half, as he swatted away a shot by Ousmane Dembele from close range. Palmer was named Player of the Tournament. His three goals and two assists, tied for the most goal contributions of any player, all came during the knockout to broadcaster DAZN postgame, Palmer praised Maresca's game plan for giving him opportunities and said he had to 'repay' the manager by scoring some goals.'He's building something special, something important,' Palmer said. 'We're a young team. ... I feel like we're going in the right direction.'--Adam Zielonka, Field Level Media
The Herald Scotland
12-07-2025
- Sport
- The Herald Scotland
Marc Cucurella feels Chelsea are back where they belong
That campaign, which has already brought Champions League qualification for the first time since 2023 and Europa Conference League success, finally comes to an end in New York this weekend. The Blues want to end on a high by winning world governing body FIFA's controversial but lucrative tournament and Cucurella feels the team belong on such a stage. 'We've had a good season,' said the Spain international ahead of this weekend's clash against European champions Paris St Germain at MetLife Stadium. 'When I arrived at this club it was difficult and in the beginning we had a lot of changes. The results were difficult. 'But we always try to give 100 per cent. We know Chelsea is a big club. We deserve to be in the final on Sunday and we have the profile for big things. 'We have worked a lot to make this happen and hopefully we can finish the season with a big trophy.' Cucurella feels he too has turned things around after a difficult start at the club following his £60million move from Brighton in 2022. Cucurella has won over Chelsea fans after a difficult start (Bradley Collyer/PA) The Spain international is now considered one of the most consistent left-backs in the Premier League but there were times when he received criticism from his own fans. He 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. 'I'm more of a player that needs to have the team playing well to show my qualities. At the beginning the team maybe didn't have identity or a clear way to play. 'I enjoyed more at other clubs because when you win you are happy all week and the feeling is very different. 'When you come here, you feel like you need to win every game. It's your job and you don't celebrate. In small clubs you don't feel this pressure. It's an important thing to learn in the big clubs.' Cucurella helped Spain win Euro 2024 (Adam Davy/PA) Cucurella feels the turning point came last summer as he first won Euro 2024 with Spain and then started working with new Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca. He said: 'After the Euros I won a lot of confidence because we played amazing football and I was very important in this team. 'Then I came here in the summer and everything was better. The manager, with his ideas, helped me a lot. He brought my best football out of me.' Chelsea now face the tough task of trying to overcome a formidable PSG side. Cucurella said: 'They play good football but a final is a final. I think we are ready for this game.'
South Wales Argus
12-07-2025
- Sport
- South Wales Argus
Marc Cucurella feels Chelsea are back where they belong
After a turbulent few years at Stamford Bridge following a takeover in 2022, the club have appeared to turn a corner during their 2024-25 season. That campaign, which has already brought Champions League qualification for the first time since 2023 and Europa Conference League success, finally comes to an end in New York this weekend. The Blues want to end on a high by winning world governing body FIFA's controversial but lucrative tournament and Cucurella feels the team belong on such a stage. 'We've had a good season,' said the Spain international ahead of this weekend's clash against European champions Paris St Germain at MetLife Stadium. 'When I arrived at this club it was difficult and in the beginning we had a lot of changes. The results were difficult. 'But we always try to give 100 per cent. We know Chelsea is a big club. We deserve to be in the final on Sunday and we have the profile for big things. 'We have worked a lot to make this happen and hopefully we can finish the season with a big trophy.' Cucurella feels he too has turned things around after a difficult start at the club following his £60million move from Brighton in 2022. Cucurella has won over Chelsea fans after a difficult start (Bradley Collyer/PA) The Spain international is now considered one of the most consistent left-backs in the Premier League but there were times when he received criticism from his own fans. He 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. 'I'm more of a player that needs to have the team playing well to show my qualities. At the beginning the team maybe didn't have identity or a clear way to play. 'I enjoyed more at other clubs because when you win you are happy all week and the feeling is very different. 'When you come here, you feel like you need to win every game. It's your job and you don't celebrate. In small clubs you don't feel this pressure. It's an important thing to learn in the big clubs.' Cucurella helped Spain win Euro 2024 (Adam Davy/PA) Cucurella feels the turning point came last summer as he first won Euro 2024 with Spain and then started working with new Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca. He said: 'After the Euros I won a lot of confidence because we played amazing football and I was very important in this team. 'Then I came here in the summer and everything was better. The manager, with his ideas, helped me a lot. He brought my best football out of me.' Chelsea now face the tough task of trying to overcome a formidable PSG side. Cucurella said: 'They play good football but a final is a final. I think we are ready for this game.'
