As Mauricio Pochettino faced a triple dilemma, a Chelsea star revealed his audacious summer transfer stance.

Despite moving from Brighton to Chelsea in a deal worth a staggering £63 million, Marc Cucurella struggled to make an impression for the Blues last season.

Marc Cucurella has declared his intention to remain at Chelsea and compete for a spot in the starting lineup. The 25-year-old defender’s future at Stamford Bridge is a little uncertain because Ben Chilwell and Ian Maatsen are also vying for Mauricio Pochettino’s attention during preseason.

Cucurella, who moved to the Blues from Brighton last summer in a deal worth more than £60 million, made 24 Premier League appearances for the team and contributed to eight clean sheets. The Spaniard struggled to make an impression in his first season, and traveling Chelsea fans frequently booed him.

He’s vowed to turn a new leaf and demonstrate that he is capable of achieving the lofty heights his price tag suggests, despite a miserable start to life in west London. Cucurella stated: “I read a lot of things [about a transfer], but I am happy here.

“The project is why I came here. The first season was undoubtedly difficult, but not just for me; it was difficult for all the players because, when you lose, you don’t feel satisfied.

It is challenging to maintain happiness when you don’t play well, he continued. But that was in the past, so if the manager says they want me to stay and be a part of the squad, I will be thrilled and will do everything in my power to help the team. Additionally, I want to display my abilities to the audience and my teammates. “.

Cucurella went on to discuss the psychological difficulties he encountered last season away from football. He said: “I understand [the criticism] because they want to try if you don’t play well, the people are angry with you and the manager.

“However, individuals like you and I must also be understood by the public. We have private lives and problems outside of football because we are human. Despite your best efforts, sometimes your mental state may not be the best.

“Obviously, it’s difficult when people criticize you, but this is the past. I am very pleased with my preseason performance and am determined to have a successful season.

“I have a lot of energy because I know my abilities, and if I concentrate on what I’m going to do, I can give it my all. I didn’t just come here for a year. I like the team, the ideas, and the project. “.

Cucurella continued, “Last season for me was very difficult because normally in my career, I always play a lot and this season I play, but not where I like and I don’t find my level. All of these things are better for me because I feel stronger now and have learned a lot.

“I experience different circumstances that I have never experienced in the past. It’s a lesson I’ve learned in life that sometimes bad things happen in the present but turn out to be better in the long run because you feel empowered and know what to do.
“.

This season, Chilwell is anticipated to start for Chelsea under Pochettino, and Maatsen has proven to be a strong backup, so Cucurella will face stiff competition for a spot in the starting lineup. Fortunately for the Spaniard, he is known to be able to play both on the wing and in midfield, so his versatility makes for a fascinating conundrum.