Glenn Hoddle has described one Chelsea player as a “bag of nerves” when discussing what he was like for large parts of last season.
Chelsea’s 2023/24 campaign was yet another turbulent one. In fairness, most of the Blues squad had their own struggles at various parts of the year.
A strong end to the season salvaged sixth spot in the Premier League, but it was another year without any silverware.
It’s a new era once again at Stamford Bridge this summer with the arrival of Enzo Maresca as the new head coach, so let’s hope he can get the best from this young squad at Stamford Bridge.
Glenn Hoddle says Marc Cucurella was a nervous wreck last season
At a time when Marc Cucurella is shining at Euro 2024 for finalists Spain, Glenn Hoddle has reflected it wasn’t too long ago that the Chelsea defender was having a real tough time on the pitch.
Cucurella finish last season with a decent run of form for his club, which he’s definitely continued into this summer’s international tournament. But he’s certainly still got question marks against his name.
The £175,000-a-week left-back (Spotrac) still has his doubters and a £60m price tag (BBC) hanging over his head.
“He’s (Cucurella) had a very indifferent season at Chelsea,” Hoddle told beIN SPORTS before Spain’s 2-1 win over France in a Euros semi-final.
“He had some poor games and I think the fans there really got on his back.
“He was like a bag of nerves at one stage. You’re thinking taking out the team because it’s horrible when you see a player lose that confidence.
“But he gathered it a bit near the end when Chelsea started to win… He started to play with a lot more confidence going into the tournament.
“He’s been excellent in this Euros.”
Chelsea man looks super confident in this moment
The Chelsea Chronicle agrees that Cucurella has looked shy at times during two years as a Chelsea player.
He’s really impressing as a key figure for Spain at the Euros, though.
The aggressive left-back has started five of his nation’s six games at the tournament so far, including all three knockout matches. Therefore, we’d be surprised if he doesn’t start the Euros final.
It would be great for him to return next season to Chelsea in this kind of mood.
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