Cucurella Reflects as Chelsea Chase Club World Cup Glory | OneFootball

Chelsea Close in on History as Cucurella Finds His Voice

Resilience Shapes Chelsea’s Journey

There are stories that develop in the shadows of more obvious narratives, and Marc Cucurella’s resurgence is one of them. As Chelsea prepare for the final of the newly formatted Club World Cup at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, the left-back has become a symbol of a club seeking identity and purpose once again.

In conversation with The Athletic, Cucurella did not hold back. His words were raw, honest and reflective of a journey most would find difficult. “I struggled a little,” he says. “In the first months, I was like, ‘Oh f**ing hell… .’ I enjoyed it more at other clubs because, when you win, you’re happy all week… But when you come here, you feel like you need to win every game.”

Photo: IMAGO

The Spaniard, who once felt like a figurehead for a chaotic Chelsea transfer era, is now one of its more composed and seasoned voices. It was not always this way, but time and trials have reshaped his standing both internally and externally.

Turning Point and Mental Growth

It was during an ankle injury layoff midway through the 2023-24 season that things shifted. Cucurella admits this moment allowed him time for reflection. “It was a bad moment, very tough for me,” he says. “But when I was injured, I was three months out and had a lot of time to think more about myself… It’s to not lose confidence… You always need to try to stay in the same line. It’s an important thing to learn in the big clubs.”

His return against Leicester was marked with a goal, followed by an international call-up, and then a triumphant summer with Spain at the Euros. It was more than just a bounce-back, it was redemption.

Photo: IMAGO

Club and Coach in Sync

Cucurella credits both former manager Mauricio Pochettino and current head coach Enzo Maresca for guiding the club through transition. “He arrived with a lot of energy and good ideas and helped me a lot,” he says of Maresca. “We wanted Champions League (qualification) and we did it; we won the Conference League, and this is another step for us.”

Now, with one game left, Chelsea could become the first champions of the new Club World Cup format. Facing a PSG side that thrashed Inter and Real Madrid en route to the final, this is no small task. “I think a final is a final, and we deserve to be there,” Cucurella insists. “Hopefully, we can win.”

Photo IMAGO

New Era, Big Expectations

There is something poignant in Chelsea’s season ending where it began, in the United States, nearly a full year after that pre-season tour. As Cole Palmer’s image towers over Times Square and fans debate FIFA’s plans to expand or repeat the tournament more frequently, the current group are chasing their own legacy.

Cucurella offers a grounded view: “Every four years is OK, in my opinion… Imagine if the World Cup was played every summer. It wouldn’t be the same.”

But first, the final against PSG. “We suffered a lot because we lost against Flamengo… But we stuck together and we knew that if we stuck to our plan, we would get better.”

Chelsea now stand on the brink. One more game, one last chance this season to make a mark and wear the badge of world champions.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

Cucurella’s story resonates with Chelsea fans. Many wrote him off after the £56 million switch from Brighton, not because of any lack of effort, but because the club itself seemed rudderless. Watching him now speak with purpose, having fought through doubt, injury and endless turnover in management, is deeply encouraging.

His comment, “I’m the same player I was in my first years (at Chelsea) but now I have more confidence in myself”, cuts to the heart of why many are now backing him to thrive. It feels like he’s not just earning his place back on the pitch, but also in the trust of the fanbase.

Enzo Maresca’s early days have brought fresh clarity. Supporters can sense a proper structure forming again, and while the Club World Cup may still be finding its identity, it has given this young Chelsea side a platform to test themselves against the best.

PSG are elite, no doubt. But Chelsea fans know the value of big European nights and one-off occasions. Cucurella and this squad have quietly grown together. They’re not shouting about it, they’re simply turning up and proving it.