Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella believes the team’s impressive squad depth, bolstered by recent signings like Joao Pedro, Jamie Gittens, and Jorrel Hato, is a key indicator of their ambition to win trophies this season. Following a 5-1 victory over West Ham, Cucurella highlighted the quality and competition within the team, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and the contributions of both experienced players and exciting young talents like Hato and Estevao. He expressed optimism about the team’s prospects and their ability to build on past successes.
Marc Cucurella, the Chelsea defender, has emphasized the significance of the team’s burgeoning squad depth as a clear indication of the club’s ambitious pursuit of silverware this season. Following a dominant 5-1 victory over West Ham United, Chelsea’s first triumph in the 2025-26 Premier League campaign, Cucurella spoke enthusiastically about the quality and competition within the squad.
The Blues have been exceptionally active in the transfer market this summer, bolstering their ranks with promising talents like Joao Pedro, Jamie Gittens, and Jorrel Hato. Adding to the excitement, Estevao officially joined the club after his transfer from Palmeiras was finalized a year prior. This influx of new players, combined with the existing core, has created a dynamic and competitive environment at Stamford Bridge.
Cucurella dismissed any concerns about squad depth being a hindrance, asserting that it is, in fact, a crucial asset as they aim to build upon their recent successes in the Conference League and Club World Cup. “We had five different goalscorers [at West Ham] which shows the team is very ambitious and has a lot of quality,” Cucurella stated to the club website. “It’s a testament to the hard work everyone is putting in and the depth we now possess.”
The Spaniard highlighted the positive impact of the new arrivals, noting their energy and quality. He stressed the importance of teamwork and the collective ability of each player to contribute to the team’s success. “All of us need to be important during the season. We have improved and we need to keep working,” he added. “We need to continue in the way we ended last season. We need to go step by step, game by game, we have an amazing season in front of us and hopefully we can do great things.”
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The match against West Ham also saw opportunities for young players to make their mark. Hato made his debut, replacing Cucurella in the 69th minute, while Estevao was thrust into the starting lineup at the last moment after Cole Palmer was unexpectedly ruled out with an injury during the warm-up. Estevao’s immediate integration into the team, despite the short notice, further underscored the depth and adaptability of the Chelsea squad.
Cucurella expressed his enthusiasm for the young talents and his willingness to help them adjust to their new surroundings. “Hato made his debut and I’m very happy for him,” he said. “He’s a very good player, very young, and hopefully I can help him with his adaptation here.” He was equally impressed with Estevao’s composure and performance. “Estevao is very young but very mature. In theory he was starting on the bench, but in five minutes he needed to be ready. He had to listen to the tactics and everything. He had an amazing game. He had an opportunity to score at the end, but he has a lot of quality and he can improve a lot, so hopefully he can continue in this way.”
The Spanish left-back, who joined Chelsea in 2022, recognizes the importance of fostering a supportive environment for the new generation of players. He believes that by sharing his experience and guidance, he can contribute to their development and help them reach their full potential. The blend of experienced players like Cucurella and exciting young prospects like Hato and Estevao creates a compelling dynamic within the Chelsea squad, fueling optimism for a successful season.
Chelsea’s impressive victory over West Ham served as a powerful statement of intent, demonstrating their ambition and the effectiveness of their revamped squad. With a challenging schedule ahead, the team will rely on the collective strength and versatility of its players to compete on multiple fronts and achieve their trophy aspirations. The focus remains on consistent performance, game-by-game progress, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
