https://www.chelseafc.com/en/news/article/
cucurella-on-reuniting-with-potter-loving-london-and-adapting-his-game-to
Cucurella on reuniting with Potter, loving London and adapting his game to
English football
08 Oct 2022
Ahead of our quick return to Stamford Bridge action with the visit of
Wolverhampton Wanderers this afternoon, Marc Cucurella has been discussing
the curious case of his old manager becoming his new manager, enjoying
life in the big city and the importance of building momentum in the coming
games…
https://i.imgur.com/828qylm.jpg
The defender spent last season with Graham Potter at Brighton & Hove
Albion, helping the Seagulls to achieve their highest Premier League
finish of ninth. He was a key part of Potter's flexible approach to system
and shape, deployed in a variety of roles down the left-hand side, and
impressed so much that he earned a summer move to Stamford Bridge.
Potter's success also caught the eye and as he prepares for his latest
league assignment in charge of the Blues, Cucurella has been reflecting on
their sooner-than-expected reunion.
'It's strange but this is football,' said the Spaniard. 'I never imagined
it and I don't think he ever imagined we would be here together but it's
good.
'The most important thing is he's a very good coach. He has already done
some good work here, the team is very nice and he works well so we have an
important person to win games and to keep this this team on a high level.'
Cucurella spoke in his official unveiling press conference about his and
his family's love for London, even commenting about driving past Stamford
Bridge and admiring the unexpected sight of a football stadium in the
middle of the city.
During the recent international break, the 24-year-old used his spare time
to explore the capital and settle into new surroundings.
'Last season, every day off with my family we came to London,' he
continued. 'We love the city and now we have the opportunity to live here,
to stay closer and not too far from the city.
'It's very nice for us because we have a new house and we have lots of
things to prepare the house for us to live in.'
Chelsea's recent record against Wolves has been difficult with four games
without a win and Cucurella feels the physical and intense style of play
demonstrated by today's opponents typifies the robustness of English
football.
It is that intensity which struck the full-back early in his Premier
League career, even if he has adapted and grown more confident over the
past 13 months.
'The players are big athletes here and it's more physical,' he explained.
'If you lose the ball in the box, it's counter-attack. In my first game in
the Premier League, I lost the ball on the halfway line and the opponents
had a good chance.
https://i.imgur.com/Wu2aYh2.jpg
Cucurella on his home debut against Tottenham
'Now I'm older and my style is not only physical. I think I play good with
the ball, I see the spaces, my mind works quicker.
'When I was younger, whenever I lost or played badly, the next game I was
very nervous but now, if my mind stays good, I can keep my level high.
That is one of the reasons I have a lot more confidence in myself.'