Marc Cucurella came in for criticism after Chelsea were beaten by Manchester City (Picture: Getty Images)
Marc Cucurella was Chelsea’s weakest link in defeat to Manchester City on Thursday night and the full-back is a problem for his manager, says Blues hero Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink.
Chelsea were only narrowly beaten 1-0 by the Premier League champions at Stamford Bridge, with Riyad Mahrez scoring a second half winner.
However, the Spanish left-back was criticised for his involvement in the goal, with Jamie Carragher saying he ‘can’t defend and doesn’t want to defend.’
Hasselbaink defended Cucurella intentions, saying he is keen to work hard, but that he really struggled against City and is a real issue for Blues boss Graham Potter after his big-money arrival from Brighton over the summer.
‘He didn’t have a really good game at all, he was the weakest link,’ Hasselbaink told Sky Sports of Cucurella.
‘I think Chelsea played really well, but the weakest link was Cucurella and Man City acknowledged that.
‘It’s a problem. He’s come from Brighton and not had the best start and today you could see it.
‘I still think he wants to defend and wants to get better, but it has to happen quick.’
Carragher said on the Sky Sports after City’s goal: ‘I’m watching Cucurella defending, he’s got five yards on Riyad Mahrez, he runs back in but then he stops,’
‘It’s a fantastic ball across but Cucurella stops and it’s a simple tap in.
‘Could the goalkeeper do more? I think he can. I’m pretty certain he could have done more, I certainly know Cucurella could have done more.
‘I’ve been questioning Cucurella in this second half. He doesn’t want to defend, certainly not one-on-one.’
Carragher added after the game: ‘When you’re talking about the price tag, he can’t defend.
‘I actually think someone who doesn’t want to defend is worse, and it looked like he didn’t want to in one-on-one situations.’
MORE : ‘He doesn’t want to defend’ – Jamie Carragher slams Chelsea’s Marc Cucurella
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‘He didn’t have a really good game at all, he was the weakest link.’
