Cucurella says he plans to injure one Barcelona player – but only short term | OneFootball

We’re only in mid-October and the game in question isn’t until late November – but given Marc Cucurella is on international duty with Spain, one can imagine exactly what they’re asking about.

In that big fixture next month Chelsea welcome Barcelona to Stamford Bridge, and the press are already curious about his thoughts on the match.

Chelsea defender on facing his former team

Marc Cucurella playing against Barcelona.

This isn’t just about the fact that Cucurella is Spanish either – he’s a former Barcelona player who came through their game. They asked him about Chelsea’s development this season and how he thought his team would get on against the Blaugrana:

“I’m the second most experienced player and that shows in important moments,” he said, making excuses for his team before they’ve even stepped on the pitch.

“Barça have more experience, more Champions League games and more composure in tight situations. But anything can happen in a game.”

Barcelona do look good – but given the financial struggles they’ve had compared to our lavish spending, there is no excuse for us to not be favourites.

Cucurella on facing golden boy Yamal

More specifically, Cucurella was asked about a potential duel with one man. Lamine Yamal just came within a whisker of winning the Ballon d’Or and is the most exciting youngster in world football. While they’re Spain teammates, they’ll be up against each other in November.

Cucurella joked that he could take out the winger now and still have him recovered in time to play together next summer:

“I won’t hold back there. The good thing is that there’s still a long way to go before the World Cup; if I knock him out, he’ll have plenty of time to recover,” the defender joked.

“I like playing against people I don’t know, I feel more comfortable. I’m not one to write to opponents before games if they’re friends either.”