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Marc Cucurella on controversial Chelsea home debut, Man City interest, Ben Chilwell and Cesar Azpilicueta's influence

Marc Cucurella on controversial Chelsea home debut, Man City interest, Ben Chilwell and Cesar Azpilicueta's influence

Chelsea wing-back Marc Cucurella has spoken to the press following his arrival from Brighton and Hove Albion this summer.

Chelsea wing-back Marc Cucurella has spoken to the press following his arrival from Brighton and Hove Albion this summer.

Joining in a deal that is worth up to £63 million, Cucurella can operate both on the left wing and the left side of central defence for Thomas Tuchel.

The defender made his debut as a substitute on the first match of the Premier League seasaon against Everton, just 24 hours after arriving at Stamford Bridge.

Cucurella was then trusted from the start against Tottenham Hotspur in Chelsea's 2-2 draw, getting an assist for Kalidou Koulibaly's opener.

The Spaniard was involved in a controversial moment during the match, with Cristian Romero pulling him to the ground by his hair but VAR deciding against the incident being violent conduct before Spurs netted an equaliser off the subsequent corner.

Marc Cucurella signed for Chelsea from Brighton this summer. (Alamy)
Marc Cucurella signed for Chelsea from Brighton this summer. (Alamy)

With all new signings speaking to the press, following Koulibaly and Raheem Sterling's conferences, Cucurella was next up as he discussed the move, a controversial home debut against Spurs, Manchester City's interest among other topics.

What Marc Cucurella said during his first press conference since becoming a Chelsea player

Debut vs Everton:

"Last weeks weren't easy for me. I trained one day then played at Goodison Park. I was happy to play, to stay here and to win."

Hair pull vs Spurs:

"Yes. For me it is too clear in the game, on the pitch. I didn't see it on the TV, the video. I think it's very clear but this is one error of the referee or VAR. Sometimes the referees have good decisions, sometimes not.

"This is not my problem. Maybe we need to work harder to not concede this goal in the last minute. I saw checking for a red card in the stadium. For me it is clear. In this moment, I don't know what happened.

"Sometimes it's good, sometimes it's bad. This is football. In this game it's an error and in other games maybe the referee gives good decisions."

Summer interest from Man City and Chelsea:

"A busy one! A lot of rumours. I think it was a good moment to move to a big club. Chelseais a big club. Very happy to stay here. Interested in me all summer. Happy to stay here.

"I'm very happy because it's a lot of money, Todd [Boehly] and the gaffer showed so much interest in me. I want to work hard, adapt to the team, to win and play good for the club."

Stamford Bridge:

"It's amazing. I remember last season playing for Brighton and we scored last minute. The stadium atmosphere is very good, the fans sing. The stadium is famous, a history stadium. To play for this club is very nice for me."

His best position:

"All three positions on the left side is good for me. Maybe my best position is in a back four, left-back because I play all my career, in academies, in this position and have more movement to be comfortable.

"If the gaffer puts me in another position I run as well to be good for the team."

Marc Cucurella complains to referee Anthony Taylor. (Alamy)
Marc Cucurella complains to referee Anthony Taylor. (Alamy)

Cristian Romero:

"For me it's no problem (hair pull). Before the game I speak with him. I have no problem. It's only one action in the game. Maybe an important action because it changes the final result. We have another opportunity (to beat Spurs)."

If he will change his hairstyle:

"No. Never. This is my style!"

Thomas Tuchel:

"I am surprised, they were very happy. He met me at Barcelona academy, I don't know why he met me. I need to work hard to stay here. They give me the opportunity, I need to work hard for him."

Taking free-kicks:

"It's difficult the free-kicks. In Brighton I take them. Here, other players can take them. If I have the opportunity, maybe I take one. I will score, 100%."

Chelsea squad:

We have a good team. A lot of young players. Winning trophies is difficult. We work hard for this all season. This is our objective. Win trophies."

Ben Chilwell:

"They help me a lot in these first days. The competition is good. We work hard to play in one position. If one is better, the gaffer puts him in the line-up. This is good for the team."

Marc Cucurella in action against Spurs. (Alamy)
Marc Cucurella in action against Spurs. (Alamy)

Six-year contract:

"You need some years to adapt. I am not pressured, in my mind it is not six months. Work hard, play for the team, enjoy football. It is only papers. I am happy here. Maybe I'll stay more years!"

Cesar Azpilicueta:

"When I spoke (Tuchel) said to me Azpilicueta is extending his contract! I am focused on my things. The team is very good. If new players arrive, maybe it is better but the level is very high.

"I'm very happy with this, he's a legend here. He stays here I think 10 years in a big club, always playing. Now he is the captain. The gaffer compared me with this player, it's good for me.

"He helped me a lot, with the houses, schools, kids. He speaks Spanish. It's good for me the captain is Spanish. I'm good, I'm happy!"

World Cup:

"This is a big step in my career. The opportunity to play in the Champions League, fight for trophies, win the league. If I play good I stay with the club and can play national team."



Featured Image Credit: Alamy

Topics: Chelsea, Marc Cucurella, Football, Premier League