Cucurella has played under five different permanent managers since joining Chelsea in the summer of 2022.

Enzo Maresca took over in 2024 and guided the Blues to a top-four finish, the Club World Cup title and also success in the Conference League in 2025.

Liam Rosenior, who was managing Strasbourg, took over following the departure of Maresca at the start of the year.

"We knew what Maresca wanted from us," Cucurella told the Athletic., external

"Winning a title like the Club World Cup also helps, strengthens the bond, and you create great relationships during the celebrations.

"When a manager gives you that confidence and offers you a platform to fight for titles, you'd die for him.

"The moment Maresca left, it had a big impact on us. These are decisions taken by the club. If you asked me, I would not have made this decision. To make a change like that, the best thing is to wait until the end of the season.

"You would give everyone, the players and the new manager, time to get ready, have a full pre-season.

"The instability around the club...