Chelsea: Marc Cucurella Opens Up on Struggles Amid Club’s Relentless Recruitment Drive
Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella has spoken candidly about the emotional toll of the club’s ever-changing transfer policy, just as another wave of fresh faces walks through the door.
The Spaniard, who arrived during a whirlwind period at Stamford Bridge, admitted the club’s high turnover of players made settling in far from easy. His comments come after Chelsea secured two more signings this past week – bringing the tally to seven senior arrivals already this summer.
“At the beginning, it was difficult because football is a lot of relationships,” Cucurella said. “You stay close with one teammate and then he leaves, or you leave.”
That revolving door has often led to chaos on the pitch and confusion off it. And Cucurella, now more settled, says the initial instability impacted his ability to connect with teammates or show his true self.
“It’s difficult, but I think we have a good group now. I think we have been together for a long time. The most important thing is that as a new player, you feel OK.
“You have confidence and you can show your personality in everything. If you feel this from the beginning, it’s more easy to reach.”
Chelsea’s transfer strategy has long sparked debate – some call it ambitious, others say it’s short-sighted. Either way, the club hasn’t shied away from bold moves. More exits are expected this summer as part of the ongoing reshuffle.
Yet despite the disruption, Cucurella is trying to look at the positives. He’s excited about the incoming talent and believes they can lift the squad.
“I think this is good for Chelsea because we have new players with a lot of quality.
“They joined a club where we try to win every game. Hopefully, they bring good energy, the quality we know and we try to stay with them.
“I think it’s early for them but hopefully they can bring fresh energy and a lot of quality.”
One youngster he’s especially enthusiastic about is Estevao – Palmeiras’ teen sensation. The pair faced off in Chelsea’s Club World Cup win last week, and Cucurella didn’t hide his admiration.
“I think he’s a good player with a lot of talent. We want to help him. We try to help him in all the things that we can.”
The Blues now march on to the semi-finals with a fresh-faced squad, but behind the scenes, the effects of their ambitious rebuild are still being felt.
Whether Chelsea’s long-term gamble pays off remains to be seen – but if Cucurella’s words are anything to go by, the players are still adjusting to the new normal.
