Marc Cucurella Aims for Glory in Club World Cup Final

New York, USA – Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella is preparing for a pivotal moment in his career as he aims to lift the FIFA Club World Cup on Sunday night. The 26-year-old Spanish international, who signed from Brighton in August 2022, has transformed from a struggling player to a beloved figure among Chelsea fans.

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Cucurella recalls his challenging early days at Chelsea, marked by instability following the club’s takeover by Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital. He faced scrutiny, even being booed by fans during a Champions League match against Borussia Dortmund in February 2023. However, he has turned his fortunes around and now relishes his role, especially ahead of facing Paris Saint-Germain in the final.

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“When I arrived at this club, it was difficult. I think it’s important to not lose confidence,” Cucurella said. Reflecting on his early struggles, he noted, “I’m not a player who changes the game with one action. I need the team to play well to show my qualities.”

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His season turned around after a significant injury that sidelined him for three months. “After my injury, I thought about what I needed to work on. Everything moved forward from there,” he said. Cucurella scored in his return against Leicester, and later earned a call-up to the Spanish national team.

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Chelsea’s fortunes have improved as well. Under the management of Enzo Maresca, Cucurella’s performance has flourished. He expressed confidence in the team ahead of the final against PSG. “We’ve had a good season. Chelsea is a big club, and we deserve to be in the final,” he stated.

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Despite the challenge of facing a formidable team like PSG, Cucurella is optimistic. “A final is a final, and we are ready,” he said. As he looks forward to the Club World Cup showdown, Cucurella remains focused on maintaining his confidence and helping Chelsea bring home the trophy.