Yahoo Sports Spain boss admits boos motivated Chelsea ace in Euro 2024 semi final clash
Spain boss Luis de la Fuente admitted he didn’t know why Marc Cucurella was getting booed against France, but said all it did was motivate the left back.
Cucurella was once again brilliant for Spain on Tuesday evening as they came from behind to beat France 2-1 and set up a final against either England or the Netherlands on Sunday.
The 25-year-old has struck up a great partnership with Chelsea target Nico Williams down Spain’s left hand side and has not only been one of their best peformers, he’s also been one of the standout performers at the tournament as a whole.
Cucurella motivated by boos
Cucurella was once again named in the starting line-up against France but he was subject to boos from sections of the crowd in the Allianz Arena.
It’s didn’t take to long work out that the boos were coming from German supporters who were watching the game as neutrals.
The German fans were clearly still feeling aggrieved they weren’t awarded a penalty in their quarter final against Spain with Cucurella appearing to get away with a handball in the box.
After the game Spain boss De La Fuente told the media he didn’t understand why Cucurella was getting booed, but said all it did was motivate him.
“No I don’t know why they booed him to be honest,” he told reporters.
“I have no idea. But the only thing they did was to motivate him. He’s a great professional, a really mature player, and he knew how to overcome the pressure.”
Cucurella’s resurgence has been remarkable given he’s largely struggled at Chelsea following his big money move from Brighton in 2022.
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He was booed at times by Chelsea supporters during his first season, but following a tactical switch towards the end of last season he hasn’t looked back and is showing on the biggest stage why Chelsea paid the money they did for him.
Cucurella is set for a key role under Enzo Maresca given the Italian likes to invert fullbacks into midfield, and there’s a strong chance he starts the season as Chelsea’s first choice left back which would be some turn around.
