Breaking news – Mauricio Pochettino speaks out on Marc Cucurella crunch talks
Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino has held talks with Marc Cucurella following the player’s failed loan move to Manchester United.
After failing to find his best form during his first season at Stamford Bridge, Cucurella was linked with a summer departure.
Cucurella was understood to be close to a loan switch to Man United, before he featured in Chelsea’s EFL Cup win over AFC Wimbledon on August 30.
The EFL Cup appearance prevented him from appearing for a potential third team later in the season, leading to the collapse of his proposed loan move to Man United.
Despite remaining at Stamford Bridge, the Spaniard’s only other appearance of the season took place in Wednesday’s third-round meeting with Brighton & Hove Albion in the EFL Cup.
A recent report claimed that Cucurella would consider leaving Chelsea in January if he failed to secure regular playing time.
Pochettino has since revealed he has held conversations with the defender about his future with the West London club.
Speaking ahead of Monday’s Premier League meeting with Fulham, Pochettino told reporters: “After, when the transfer window closed, we were talking in my office.
“We were really clear about how I see and assess him and I listened to his feelings. Of course, it was a difficult time for him after he arrived from Brighton. It was tough, not only for him, but many, many players.
“That’s why we need to give confidence and trust in him. He is our player and I think he was really good against Brighton on Wednesday playing on the right-hand side.
“I think he was doing well and I am so happy about his performance and commitment. That’s what we expect from our players.
“Now, it is about working, waiting for the opportunity and working really hard. It is a really clear situation, he is in our plan. If he deserves to play, he will play.”
Cucurella could see his playing time increase after Ben Chilwell sustained a hamstring injury in the 1-0 win over Brighton.
Chilwell’s injury leaves Pochettino with Cucurella, Ian Maatsen and Levi Colwill as his main left-back options.
After taking five points from six games, Chelsea will look to claim their second Premier League win of the season when they face Fulham at Craven Cottage on Monday.
