Mauricio Pochettino has now claimed that he didn’t have much say as to whether Chelsea were going to sell Marc Cucurella this summer.
He told the Evening Standard that the decision was down to the sporting director, as well as the agent of the £60m signing from a year ago.
It did look as if Cucurella was going to be surplus to requirements this season, with the difficulty being finding a team to take him off their hands.
Manchester United were interested in a loan deal, however that prospect ended after the Blues played him in a League Cup tie earlier this season.
That competition has actually potentially provided the Spain international with another chance to succeed at Stamford Bridge.
He performed brilliantly in the week against Brighton when playing out of position on the right of defence.
Following this game, Pochettino has now claimed he needs to give him confidence to perform that way on a more regular basis.
He said: “I don’t know [if he was considered surplus to requirements] because I wasn’t involved in this situation, that was more the sporting director, the [player’s] agent and the club.
“After, when the transfer window closed, we were talking in my office. We were really clear about how I see and assess him and I listened to his feelings.
“Of course, it was a difficult time for him after he arrived from Brighton. It was tough, not only for him, but many, many players. That’s why we need to give confidence and trust in him.”
Cucurella may be handed a chance to start on either side of defence tonight when the Blues take on Fulham in the West London derby.
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