Chelsea trio respond to Marc Cucurella’s ‘I’m back’ message
Marc Cucurella had a one-word message for Spain fans after by far his most successful season with Chelsea.
Enzo Maresca became the first Chelsea manager in three seasons able to regularly call upon Cucurella at Stamford Bridge, as the left-back’s improved fitness allowed him to feature 48 times in all competitions.
Cucurella had failed to make more than 25 Premier League appearances in either of his previous two campaigns for the Blues, and five goals in 36 matches is a stark increase for Chelsea‘s number three.
Chelsea have a significant summer of transfer business lined up after they secured Champions League qualification on the final day of the season, and lifted the UEFA Conference League title three days later.
Cucurella ‘back’ after breakthrough Chelsea campaign
Cucurella’s form for both club and country in the last 12 months has been a significant improvement on his previous displays, and the 26-year-old had a starring role in Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph in Germany.
Maresca has seen Cucurella net seven times in all competitions this term and win a further five caps for Spain since La Roja lifted their fourth European Championship title, with an eye on further silverware.
As Spain prepare for their UEFA Nations League semi-final against France and potential decider against Germany or Portugal on 5 June and 8 June respectively, Cucurella posted on Instagram (3 June).
Chelsea team-mates Reece James, Enzo Fernandez and potential England debutant Trevoh Chalobah all liked Cucurella’s post, which said; “De vuelta” – meaning “return” or “back”.
Chelsea prepare transfer spree ahead of Champions League return
Football Insider Verdict
With Champions League football on the cards at Stamford Bridge next season, Maresca will take confidence in Cucurella’s performances as he prepares further changes throughout his Chelsea team.
Left-back may not be an area in need of major attention this summer, but several others are and Chelsea have already launched an ambitious move for AC Milan’s Mike Maignan as a potential new number one.
Further additions out wide are also in the pipeline as Maresca weighs up a bid for Alejandro Garnacho, and the Italian will be confident that Cucurella can strike up a partnership which whoever plays ahead of him on the left.