Marc Cucurella has expressed his confidence that Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino has the full support of his players, despite ongoing uncertainty about Pochettino’s future as the season nears its end.
Pochettino is under significant pressure, with Chelsea only managing to win 13 out of 33 matches, placing them ninth in the Premier League and 19 points away from the top four positions.
Since Todd Boehly’s consortium took over Chelsea just over two years ago, the club has spent more than one billion pounds on player acquisitions.
However, the team’s performance has not lived up to expectations.
Following a 5-0 defeat by Arsenal and a 1-0 loss to Manchester City in the FA Cup semi-final, reports suggested that the club’s hierarchy was seriously considering Pochettino’s dismissal.
Despite these challenges, Chelsea showed resilience in a recent match against Aston Villa.
Although they were trailing 2-0, they managed to draw 2-2.
A late goal by Axel Disasi was controversially disallowed by the video assistant referee, which could have given Chelsea a win.
Cucurella believes this comeback performance is indicative of Pochettino’s positive influence and deserves more time to build the team.
When asked if the second-half performance against Villa demonstrated the players’ desire for Pochettino to stay, Cucurella affirmed it, praising the manager’s halftime speech and the team’s response.
He emphasized that the players’ mentality and execution are critical, not just the manager’s tactics.
Cucurella noted that the players need to show their true potential consistently and that Pochettino has been instrumental in helping them improve, communicating effectively, and earning the squad’s support.
Reflecting on the 5-0 loss to Arsenal, Pochettino acknowledged that the team had “given up” in the second half, but the performance against Villa was a marked improvement.
Goals from Noni Madueke and Conor Gallagher showcased the team’s capabilities, and despite Disasi’s disallowed goal, the match offered positive signs.
Pochettino, who signed a two-year contract with an option for an additional year at the start of the season, is aware of the short-term focus at Stamford Bridge, especially since his predecessor Graham Potter was sacked less than seven months into a five-year deal.
Pochettino has sought clarity from co-owners Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali, as well as sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart, regarding his position.
Despite planning for the summer transfer window and preseason, the threat of dismissal looms.
Chelsea’s upcoming fixtures include a match against Tottenham on Thursday, followed by games against West Ham, Nottingham Forest, Brighton, and Bournemouth to conclude the season.
The support from the players and a few positive performances offer a glimmer of hope for Pochettino as he navigates a turbulent season with Chelsea.
Pochettino’s leadership has faced scrutiny, but his approach has garnered respect from the players, who appreciate his communication and support.
Cucurella highlighted that the team’s success depends on collective improvement and maintaining a strong mentality throughout every match.
The recent turnaround against Villa reflects the team’s potential and the impact of Pochettino’s guidance, suggesting that stability and time could be key to Chelsea’s future success under his management.
The club’s significant investment in players has yet to translate into the desired results, creating an environment of high expectations and pressure.
As Pochettino continues to work towards improving the team’s performance, the backing of the players remains a crucial element in his quest to secure his position and lead Chelsea to better outcomes.
