‘Difficult’: 25-year-old Chelsea player admits he’s struggled in position where Pochettino has played him this season

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Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella has admitted that it has been a bit difficult playing in his new role under Mauricio Pochettino this season.

Mauricio Pochettino has used Marc Cucurella as a right-back in Chelsea’s last few fixtures and the left-back has spoken to the club’s official website about his change in position.

Cucurella will at least be happy with the fact that he is now playing.

Before his shift to right-back, the 25-year-old had played just one game for the Blues in the current campaign, which came in the Carabao Cup against his former club Brighton & Hove Albion.

Marc Cucurella adapting to playing at right-back

While it has not been straightforward, Cucurella says he is doing his best and is getting help from his team-mates while playing on the right side of Chelsea’s defence.

On his new role, the Spaniard said: “It’s a little bit difficult. Really it depends on the actions. The big demands are the same, it’s just I’m the opposite side.

“I try to do my best, help the team, and I think my teammates help me as well. So we need to continue in this way and win games.”

Back to left-back after the international break

Reece James is closing in on a return from injury. According to the Evening Standard, he could be fit enough to play against Arsenal when the Premier League resumes.

Malo Gusto’s suspension after his red card against Aston Villa last month is also over, so Pochettino suddenly has options at right-back again.

It means that Cucurella will probably be considered for the left-back position after the international break, especially with Ben Chilwell sidelined.

His game time may decrease now, but do not be surprised to see Cucurella playing at right-back in the future if he remains at Stamford Bridge. James has struggled to stay fit these last couple of years, so his team-mate may be needed on the right flank again.