Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella stepped in entrance of the media to debate the importance of internet hosting Barcelona at Stamford Bridge within the UEFA Champions League.
For the Spanish defender, the match carries much more emotional weight than standard, given his historical past at La Masia and his early years with the Catalan membership.
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Now firmly established within the Chelsea squad, Cucurella mirrored on the significance of the upcoming encounter because the Blues goal to safe their place among the many high eight within the group stage.
Cucurella spoke overtly about what the event means to him personally. Providing a glimpse into his mindset, he defined,
“It’s very thrilling for me and my household. It’s a really particular match and I hope we will get the factors.
“I don’t assume a lot in regards to the previous and whether or not I might have stayed at Barça. Every thing occurs for a cause. I’m very proud of my profession.”
On going through Lamine Yamal
Cucurella will come up towards Lamine Yamal. (Picture by Stuart Franklin/Getty Pictures)
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When requested about going through Lamine Yamal, certainly one of Barcelona’s brightest younger stars, Cucurella acknowledged the problem forward however highlighted the preparation behind it.
Offering context to their particular person battle, he stated, “It’s true that typically we will’t know every thing, however I attempt to put together as greatest I can.
“I do know him a little bit, and clearly, I’ve the assist of my crew. I hope we play a terrific sport.”
He additional expanded on Yamal’s fast rise and the skin consideration surrounding {the teenager}. “He’s a really particular participant. He has to expertise issues as a result of he’s very younger.
“On the finish of the day, he’s at a excessive degree. He’s a terrific participant. It’ll be a tricky sport.”
Reward for Pedri
Cucurella additionally shared his admiration for an additional Barcelona standout – Pedri. When requested which Barça participant has impressed him probably the most, he instantly pointed to the midfielder’s distinctive expertise.
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“Pedri is the participant who has shocked me probably the most. Final yr and the beginning of this season have been spectacular. You’ll be able to see he’s a unique participant. It’s a disgrace in regards to the harm.”
Elaborating additional, he added, “He at all times desires the ball. He by no means loses it.
“A crew like Barça, which at all times places you below strain, is a bit that will probably be missed. If Pedri doesn’t play, one other nice participant will.”
Dealing with Barcelona
Marc Cucurella will face his former aspect. (Picture by Julian Finney/Getty Pictures)
Waiting for the problem of stopping Barcelona’s attackers, Cucurella gave a simple evaluation of what Chelsea anticipate on the pitch.
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Describing what sort of match followers ought to anticipate, he acknowledged, “Barça could not have managed each sport this yr. However they’re doing nicely.
“It will likely be a great battle with Lamine. We’ll attempt to give our greatest to cease Lamine or Rashford. When the draw got here out, everybody was speaking about it. We’re wanting ahead to it.”
Lastly, Cucurella summarised the tactical key to unsettling Barcelona’s rhythm.
Offering perception into Chelsea’s strategy, he concluded, “The important thing will probably be to take the ball away from them.
“They wish to dominate you and keep near the field. Now we have to win the duels and the one-on-ones.”
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