Marc Cucurella posts three-word message from Chelsea training ground
Chelsea have just three matches left to play this season with both silverware and their Champions League fate on the line.
Enzo Maresca‘s Blues have it all to play for ahead of three must-win matches to close out the campaign, all of which come against sides who face similar circumstances in the race for continental football.
Chelsea take on Europa League finalists Manchester United on 16 May before a final day shoot-out with fellow Champions League chasers Nottingham Forest on 25 May, then face a European final of their own.
The Blues couldn’t have had much worse preparation for their clashed with United, Forest and Europa Conference League final opponents Real Betis though, after their 2-0 loss at Newcastle last time out.
Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes’ goals at either end of each half dealt the Blues a comprehensive defeat, and Nicolas Jackson’s red card for an elbow on Sven Botman compounded Maresca’s frustration.
Cucurella sends rallying cry ahead of Chelsea clashes
Chelsea lie fifth in the Premier League table and lead Aston Villa below them on goal difference only, with their final-day opponents Forest one point further back as the race for the Champions League heats up.
Success in the Conference League Final against Real Betis on 28 May would guarantee a Europa League spot for the Blues, but one player has made clear that this season’s goal is the Champions League.
| Player | Appearances | Starts | Goals/Assists | Clean Sheets | Yellow/Red Cards |
| Marc Cucurella | 45 | 38 | 6/4 | 12 | 9/1 |
Marc Cucurella shone in Chelsea’s quarter-final win over Legia Warsaw and has is their second-highest appearance maker in all competitions this term, with 38 starts and seven substitute cameos overall.
His first two seasons of inconsistency have given way to rock-solid performances from the Chelsea left-back this term, and Cucurella posted on his Instagram story (13 May) straight from the training ground.
The Spain international said: “Let’s keep pushing!”
Chelsea transfer strategy to be decided by European outcome
Although Man United may see Friday’s clash as a free hit with both eyes on the Europa League Final, Chelsea can’t afford to bring anything less than their best if they’re to maintain a place in the top five.
Without Jackson as the spearhead of their attack against a three-man United rearguard and Forest’s even more compact defence, Maresca’s side may struggle to fully hit their straps in the final third.
A new striker will be top of the shortlist for Chelsea this summer, but if they’re unable to secure a Champions League spot, Maresca may be forced to settle for a centre-forward not entirely aligned with their current transfer policy.