Frank Leboeuf has completely reversed his stance on Marc Cucurella, admitting he was wrong to dismiss the Chelsea defender as “not good enough.” The former Blues star had been one of Cucurella’s harshest critics when Chelsea paid £62m to sign him from Brighton in 2022, calling the deal “crazy” and questioning whether he was suited to the club.
During Cucurella’s difficult first season, Leboeuf did not hold back in his criticism. “We don’t want to see Cucurella anymore,” he said in 2023. “With all due respect, the player is not good enough for Chelsea.” His views echoed those of many fans who felt the Spanish left-back had failed to justify his price tag.
However, Cucurella has since proven his doubters wrong with a series of standout performances. Now a key figure in Chelsea’s squad, he has featured in nearly every league game this season. His recent winning goal against Leicester City only further demonstrated his importance to the team.
Leboeuf has now admitted he misjudged Cucurella’s ability and praised his remarkable progress. “I was very hard on him two years ago,” he said on ESPN. “Now I call him ‘Cucu the saviour!’ He’s amazing—defensively and offensively. He’s become my idol.”
Cucurella’s resurgence has been one of the highlights of Chelsea’s season. Beyond his club form, he also played a crucial role in Spain’s Euro 2024 victory last summer, showcasing his ability on the international stage. His energy, versatility, and determination have helped him win over even his strongest critics.
After his match-winning display, Cucurella reflected on his journey. “I’ve worked really hard through tough moments,” he told Sky Sports. “I know I need to improve in the final third, but we showed passion, and the fans’ support is really important.”
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca also praised the defender’s influence, emphasizing the team’s resilience. “We created enough to win, and we’re happy,” he said. “There are still 10 games to go, and we are there.”
Leboeuf’s change of heart highlights Cucurella’s impressive turnaround. From being written off as an expensive mistake to becoming a key player, the Spaniard has proven his worth in spectacular fashion.