GRAHAM POTTER has explained the reasons behind Marc Cucurella’s dip in form but he is confident the defender will come good.
The Chelsea boss worked with Cucurella at Brighton and got the best out of the Spaniard on the south coast.
Cucurella’s form earned him a £62million summer move to Stamford Bridge but he has not been able to hit the same heights with the Blues.
Potter acknowledged that fact but is confident Cucurella has the mental traits and ability on the pitch to bounce back.
He said ahead of Chelsea’s clash against RB Salzburg: “He’s had a couple of issues, a bit of illness, he’s been on antibiotics, but he’s a lot better.
“Manchester United was purely tactical, a need to get an extra body in midfield. He was the one to come out probably because of all the things that have happened to him. A bit unlucky there.
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“He’s good, he’s ready to fight for the team, he’s ready to play. He’s a resilient character, he’s a really good person.
“Sometimes when you move clubs it goes really well, and sometimes it can be a little bit of an up-and-down period. Marc’s a little bit up and down but he’s a top player and he will show his quality.”
Cucurella, 24, has started in each of Chelsea’s last three Prem games but was substituted in every one, and lasted justed 35 minutes against United.
But with injuries to Kalidou Koulibaly and Wesley Fofana it is likely he will start against Salzburg.
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Potter said of Koulibaly’s injury: “It’s not too serious but this game was too soon for him.
“We’re hoping to get him back on the grass Wednesday or Thursday.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
