Marc Cucurella questions Chelsea decision to let Enzo Maresca leave
Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella has openly questioned the club’s decision to part ways with former head coach Enzo Maresca, blaming a lack of experience for their recent Champions League exit.
The 27-year-old made the candid comments while on international duty with Spain at their Las Rozas headquarters in Madrid.
The West London club have struggled heavily under new boss Liam Rosenior, winning only four and losing six of their past 12 matches.
That poor run culminated in a bruising 8-2 aggregate defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League round of 16.
Paying the price for inexperience
The Spanish full-back believes the youthful nature of the squad was brutally exposed against the reigning European champions.
“We lacked experience,” Cucurella said.
“For a lot of players, it was the first time playing a match of that calibre, and we paid the price.”
The former Brighton defender suggested his team-mates failed to keep cool heads during the critical closing stages of the first leg against Luis Enrique’s side.
Questioning the managerial change
Chelsea’s severe dip in form follows the sudden departure of Maresca, a decision the European Championship winner fundamentally disagreed with.
“If you asked me, I would not have made this decision,” he added regarding the dugout changes.
Rosenior’s arrival has yet to spark a revival, leaving supporters increasingly disconnected from the Stamford Bridge ownership.
The current international break now offers a necessary respite for the struggling Premier League outfit.
“Sometimes, if you’re in good form, an international break can kill your momentum a bit,” Cucurella explained.
“But this one will do us well at club level.”
Finding solace with Spain
In stark contrast to his domestic struggles, the defender described joining up with Luis de la Fuente’s national squad as a breath of fresh air.
The Spanish camp remains incredibly harmonious following their triumphant Euro 2024 campaign.
Cucurella is widely credited by team-mates with helping to foster that strong dressing-room chemistry for La Roja.
The outspoken full-back also used the interview to criticise Premier League referee Paul Tierney over a recent controversial huddle incident, adding to the mounting frustrations surrounding his club season.
