Graham Potter has offered renewed backing to Marc Cucurella amid his ongoing Chelsea struggles as he also defended co-owner Todd Boehly.
Wing-back Cucurella has been notably short of form since leaving a Brighton side then managed by Potter for Stamford Bridge in an eyebrow-raising £60million summer transfer, with strong criticism aimed at his defending in particular by frustrated fans and pundits alike.
Things got worse for the Spaniard this week when it appeared that Chelsea co-owner Boehly had ‘liked’ a tweet of an article stating that Cucurella was simply not good enough to play for the club.
However, Potter has reiterated his faith in and pledged unwavering support for the 24-year-old amid unspecified off-field issues and insisted he is not the only Blues player having to overcome challenges during what has been an extremely difficult season at Stamford Bridge to date.
“They are humans with private lives and things going on,” Potter told reporters ahead of Saturday’s latest London derby against West Ham in the Premier League. “Marc is not the only one. At the same time, you understand supporters pay their money and the most important thing is what happens on that pitch over 90 minutes. But nevertheless, players have to deal with stuff.
“Marc is fine, he’s going about his work. He knows he is probably not in the best moment of form but he isn’t the only player who has to come through a moment. He is a player the club invested money in during the summer and it is our job to help him, support him, and bring him to the place where he is showing everyone his qualities.”
Potter - who is not on social media himself - also defended Boehly’s Twitter activity, insisting ‘liking’ the article about Cucurella was not a true reflection of this character.
“I don’t know. I can’t comment,” Potter said. “It isn’t a reflection of Todd in any way. I don’t know how social media works and everybody here is really supportive of Marc and we’re trying to help him get back to his level and enjoy his football. If a player is enjoying his football, the chance is he is going to play well.”
