Chelsea

Nicola Pearson
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Getty Images

Providing the assist for the winning goal in the Euro 2024 final capped off an impressive tournament for Marc Cucurella.

Having only won four caps prior to heading to Germany and given the form of Bayer Leverkusen's Alejandro Grimaldo last season, even the Chelsea left-back may not have been expecting to play such a key role.

But, starting all games bar Spain's dead-rubber final group match against Albania, the 25-year-old became a pivotal player in Luis de la Fuente's team.

It is a far cry from the inconsistency of his first two seasons at Stamford Bridge since his £60m move from Brighton in August 2022, where he has been in and out of the team and come in for criticism from pundits and fans.

So what can Chelsea's new boss Enzo Maresca learn from Cucurella's past four weeks with Spain?

As part of La Roja's back four, the former Albion defender was able to find balance in his defensive work and attack, forming a good partnership on the left wing with Nico Williams.

As well as assisting the winning goal for Mikel Oyarzabal in the final, Cucurella had the most combined tackles and interceptions for Spain (20) across the tournament.

Among Spanish defenders, he won possession more times (21), won more tackles (nine) and also jointly created the most chances (seven).

His heatmap from the final against England shows the structure and discipline in his play and positioning on the left.

Image source, Opta

This is compared to his heatmap in the final game of last season for Chelsea against Bournemouth in which he spent time, not just in the more traditional left-back role, but across the backline and also coming into midfield.

Perhaps too much freedom for a player who has previously been described as "the football equivalent of a springer spaniel".

Image source, Opta

It is his abilities when being able to focus on that left-side of the pitch that drew Chelsea's attention in the first place.

Cucurella's average position in the Euro 2024 final was near identical to that of his final game for Brighton against West Ham in 2022 - one he dominated statistically.

Image source, Opta

Having played in his national side's under-21 team for De la Fuente, Cucurella has benefitted from having a manager with an understanding of how he plays and what his strengths are, as well as a Spain side with a clear style.

If Chelsea want to see the best version of the energetic defender this campaign, it may require clear structure, style and discipline from Maresca.

Image source, Getty Images

The football never stops.

Euro 2024 has barely finished but Premier League clubs have already started turning their attention to pre-season friendlies.

The games are spread across the globe, from Tokyo and New York to Sligo and Crawley.

So who will your team face? And when and where are the matches?

Keep across all the fixtures and results here

Image source, Getty Images

Spanish football journalist and BBC columnist Guillem Balague believes the criticism Marc Cucurella has faced since joining Chelsea was a motivating factor in his fine performances for Spain's Euro 2024 winning side.

Cucurella joined the Blues from Brighton in a deal worth over £60m in August 2022 but has struggled for form in what has been a turbulent couple of seasons at Stamford Bridge.

However, the 25-year-old started all of Spain's matches in Germany this summer - apart from their final group game dead rubber against Albania - and assisted Mikel Oyarzabal's winner in the final against England.

"They haven't done a lot with him but he has been one of those players that has been given confidence for a long time," Balague told the Monday Night Club on BBC Radio 5 Live. "He was with the under-21s with the same manager.

"They all knew what he could give but [Alex] Grimaldo [of Bayer Leverkusen] was so good this season that Cucurella thought he was coming in without a chance of starting. What he offered was not just the ability to go forward but the defending.

"He was so proactive with the defending. He would not track back every time he needed to go with somebody, he just went close to him, didn't let him turn. It doesn't matter who it was he was strong with him. He seemed to jump higher.

"I think he was stung a little bit by some criticism coming from England, some of which has been fair because he did have some games [for Chelsea] where he was at fault for some goals. But he seems to have made a step forward in terms of that defending."

Listen to the full chat from 1:17:00 on BBC Sounds

Image source, Reuters

Chelsea and Spain left-back Marc Cucurella was included in Opta's team of Euro 2024.

Cucurella had been one of the question marks for Spain heading into Euro 2024, but he proved many doubters wrong by the end of it. Competitive in his defending and a contributor going forward, the Chelsea man did a fine job in taking up Jordi Alba's mantle from previous editions.

As well as assisting the winning goal for Mikel Oyarzabal in the final, Cucurella had the most combined tackles and interceptions for Spain (20) across the tournament.

See the full team here

Image source, Chelsea FC

We asked for your views after Chelsea released the 2024-25 home shirt.

We have been inundated with responses.

Here is a flavour - and people are not holding back:

Jay: I want my eyes to unsee it.

Greg: Honestly, it looks awful. But at the same time it is a perfect symbol for how things have been since the current owners took over, everything that was built, now going up in flames.

Freddie: It looks like the winner of a primary school art contest.

Paul: It’s described as a blue flame. It’s certainly distinctive! It reminds me of a cross between a gas company advert from the 1980’s and a bit of tie dye that wouldn’t be out of place in psychedelic 60’s San Francisco.

Carlo: Absolutely diabolical - what a way to ruin a great shirt.

Steve: I quite like it. I prefer shirts without, (whoever the sponsor is). Last season's was available for a short while without sponsors' logos, too.

Nick: Love it! Really nice to see a football shirt embracing a style and pattern beyond simple geometric designs, I can't wait to get one - now I just need to decide which player's name to have on the back!

Tunde: The shirt is fine but the shorts should have been plain or slightly different design. Together, it just makes it look too busy.

Image source, Reuters

Marc Cucurella has delivered a playful parting shot to former England full-back Gary Neville after playing an instrumental role in Spain's victory at Euro 2024.

Now an ITV pundit, Neville had previously said Cucurella was "probably one of the reasons why Spain could not go all the way" in the tournament.

The Chelsea left-back replied on social media, external with: "We went all the way, Gary. Thanks for your support."

Cucurella missed only one game for the victors and capped an excellent tournament by supplying the assist for Mikel Oyarzabal's late winner in the final on Sunday.

He has not had an easy time at Stamford Bridge since his £60m switch from Brighton in August 2022 but took the perfect opportunity in style to answer his critics.

Image source, Chelsea FC

Chelsea have released their new home kit for the 2024-25 season.

The club said they were "thrilled" to unveil the bold design which has "never been seen before" on a Chelsea shirt.

A classic blue, the shirt features detailing of vibrant blue flames throughout, which "symbolise the hottest part of a flame and the burning passion to unite the entire club".

According to the club, the home shirt has a "distinctive 'melting pot' pattern" to represent the "fusion of Chelsea's rich legacy with the ever-hot youth culture of the city".

It will be worn with matching shorts.

Let us know what you think of the new kit here, external

Image source, Reuters

While many in England are lamenting the loss to Spain at Euro 2024, there are a number of players returning to their Premier League clubs draped in silverware.

Aston Villa’s Emi Martinez, Tottenham’s Cristian Romero and Giovani lo Celso, Liverpool’s Alexis Mac Allister, Manchester United’s Lisandro Martinez, Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez and Manchester City’s Julian Alvarez all played their part as Argentina edged Colombia in the Copa America final.

Indeed, it was Lo Celso’s clever through ball that finally unlocked their opponents’ defence in the second half of extra time to set up Inter’s Lautaro Martinez for the winner.

United's Alejandro Garnacho was an unused substitute as Argentina backed up their 2022 World Cup win with a second consecutive Copa America title.

Some consolation for sad England fans of these clubs this morning.

Image source, Getty Images

Chelsea attacking midfielder Cole Palmer scored England's fastest substitute goal at the Uefa European Championships after netting an equaliser against Spain in the final just 142 seconds after coming off the bench.

Palmer's goal was also the second fastest by any substitute in a European Championship final, beaten only by former Chelsea attacking midfielder Juan Mata who scored for Spain in the Euro 2012 final after just 100 seconds.

In addition, the England international became the youngest ever substitute to score in a European Championship final at 22 years and 69 days old.

Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga is in talks with Al-Ittihad over a move to Saudi Arabia. (Athletic - subscription required), external

Meanwhile, Napoli remain interested in signing Blues striker Romelu Lukaku. (Sky Sports), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Saturday's full gossip column

Jess Anderson
BBC Sport journalist

BBC Sport has looked at five key battles that could decide who lifts the Euro 2024 trophy when England face Spain on Sunday.

Marc Cucurella v Bukayo Saka

For both Cucurella and Saka, Euro 2024 has been a tale of redemption.

Only six months ago, Chelsea left-back Cucurella was being booed off by his own fans, having struggled to impress following a £63m move from Brighton in 2022.

But the 25-year-old was at the heart of Chelsea's unexpected late surge for a European place and has continued that form at Euro 2024.

He has started five of Spain's six matches, having earned only four caps prior to the tournament, and has struck up a brilliant partnership with Williams down Spain's left-hand side.

For Saka - after the heartbreak of missing a penalty in the final of Euro 2020 and the horrific racial abuse he received in the aftermath - Euro 2024 has highlighted his resilience.

The 22-year-old has been a consistent threat, earning his reward with a fine goal against Switzerland in the quarter-final before dispatching his penalty in the shootout - his story coming full circle.

Read all five key battles here

Image source, Getty Images

Chelsea's Cole Palmer speaking on Lions' Den, England's YouTube show, about setting up Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins' winning goal against the Netherlands in their Euro 2024 semi-final: "We were playing together at half-time, just passing the ball to each other, and he said to me, 'we’re going to come on and you're going to set me up and I'm going to score'.

"When it happened, it was mad, but even in training when he runs, I just know. Every time I get it I look for him because I know he's going to make those runs in behind. When I got it, I knew he was going to be there. All I had to do was play it and see what he can do."

On substitutes making an impact: "That's what we're there to do. When the manager shouts us we've got to be ready. We've just got to keep being ready.

"It's crazy to see the fans and players enjoying it together. It's amazing."

Watkins on his winning goal: "To be fair, I thought I was too wide, so my first touch was good, then the defender didn't really get too tight to me. But he's opened his legs and I just thought 'hit it hard and low, it may get a deflection or something like that'. But I've just caught it so sweet. As I’ve seen it go into the bottom corner, it's just like slow motion.

"It was the best feeling ever. If you see from my reaction, I don’t even know what to do."

On reaction to Wednesday's win: "[I've had a] few hours' sleep - I'm buzzing! It's the best feeling. We're in a little bubble so you don't see it so you just move on to the next game. It's a massive achievement, back-to-back [Euro finals]. Obviously, it's my first tournament - Cole's as well. It's special."

Chelsea have ended their pursuit of Atletico Madrid's 20-year-old Spanish striker Samu Omorodion. (Marca - in Spanish), external

Want more transfer news? Read Friday's full gossip column

Image source, Getty Images

A Chelsea supporters group says there needs to be a "total culture change" at the club after the release of ticket prices for a pre-season friendly against Inter Milan.

The Blues face the Serie A side at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, 11 August as they finish their preparations for the new Premier League season.

Chelsea confirmed the pricing structure for the fixture on Thursday, with the most expensive ticket costing £59 for an adult on general sale and the lowest priced adult ticket costing £26 for a season ticket holder or member with a restricted view.

In a statement, the Chelsea Supporters' Trust said: "Pricing tickets for a friendly fixture at record amounts excludes many supporters from purchasing and the awarding of points for this type of fixture feels unfair and ill-thought-out.

"This poor price structure is a chance missed by Chelsea FC to engage with the next generation of Chelsea supporters."

The CST claim the pricing represents an average price increase for season ticket holders and members of 28.6% from the most recent pre-season match at Stamford Bridge in 2021 and an average increase of 61.9% for those buying on general sale.

They added: "The ownership group encouragingly set out at the end of last season that it would look to 'earn the trust and confidence of supporters'.

"We are genuinely impressed by the willingness of the club to have difficult and challenging conversations with the CST, the FAB (Fan Advisory Board) and other supporter groups.

"It is a real shame that despite a new season, a new manager, new players and a clean slate, the chance to begin earning the trust and confidence of supporters has been overlooked at the first hurdle."

At the same time, Chelsea have released their prices for the women's team for games at both Kingsmeadow and Stamford Bridge and say it is a "simpler and easier-to-follow" pricing structure, external.

They also outline that adult season tickets, when calculated on a pro-rata basis, will work out at the same price as in 2023-24 plus an extra game.

Nizaar Kinsella
BBC Sport football news reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Chelsea remain in talks to re-sign midfielder Sam Rak-Sakyi after his contract expired a fortnight ago.

The 19-year-old will decide within the next week whether to remain at Stamford Bridge amid ongoing discussions around personal terms and his development.

Rak-Sakyi played 49 matches across various youth levels last season.

His brother, Jesurun, left the club in 2019 and is now a first-team player at Crystal Palace, having made 10 appearances for the south London side.

Chelsea are not interested in triggering 26-year-old Spain forward Dani Olmo's £50m release clause at RB Leipzig. (Sky Sports), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Thursday's full gossip column

Chelsea are in talks with Borussia Dortmund over a deal for 22-year-old Germany forward Karim Adeyemi. (Bild - in German), external

Spain winger Nico Williams, who has attracted interested from Chelsea, Liverpool, Bayern Munich and Barcelona, has a 55m to 58m euros (£46.5m to £49m) release clause in his Athletic Bilbao contract. (Marca - in Spanish), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Wednesday's full gossip column

Nizaar Kinsella
BBC Sport football news reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Chelsea have completed a restructure to help improve their recent poor injury record, appointing Craig Roberts as the club’s new head of performance.

Roberts arrives after spells with the Football Association (FA), AFC Bournemouth and the South African rugby team, replacing Dimitrios Kalogiannidis, who left Chelsea in January after 14 years, and is part of a widespread change behind the scenes in the medical departments at Stamford Bridge.

The South African is part of a multi-pronged department led by director of performance Bryce Kavanagh, who joined last year.

Head of performance sciences Nick Chadd, lead performance therapist Meirion Jones, head of performance insights Richard Akenhead Ph.D and Doctor Steve Lewis complete the high-level department under Kavanagh’s control. In turn, they are led by co-sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart and Enzo Maresca’s staff, particularly his fitness coach Marcos Alvarez.

The Blues have acknowledged previously that there has been upheaval in this area but believe their new structure will ultimately improve the club's poor injury record, which has been ongoing since the final year of Roman Abramovich's ownership and continued into the Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital era.

Chelsea suffered the second most injuries last season in the Premier League behind Manchester United. They also lost players to injuries for more days than all but two teams, which were Newcastle and Sheffield United.

Nizaar Kinsella
BBC Sport football news reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Chelsea have been motoring through the transfer window at rapid pace, signing multiple players as they await further opinions from manager Enzo Maresca.

The focus in the last few weeks has been on signing young players on long-term deals with potential to make an impact in the future.

Atlanta left-back Caleb Wiley, 19, is now closing in on an £8.5m move to Chelsea, Boca Juniors centre-back Aaron Anselmino, also 19, is expected to follow and FC Basel midfielder Renato Veiga, 20, will conduct a medical in London on Wednesday before completing a £12m move.

Wiley will join Strasbourg on loan, Anselmino will likely stay at Boca until at least January while Veiga will join Chelsea on pre-season but could be loaned out at a later date.

Veiga is one of many players under evaluation by Maresca, who wants to give everyone a chance, before making decisions on transfers in and out.

The new Blues manager begun pre-season training yesterday and wants a look at his striking options – with Nicolas Jackson, Christopher Nkunku and new signing Marc Guiu already on the books.

Their performance and fitness levels in pre-season will dictate whether Chelsea push to sign another striker. Atletico Madrid striker Samu Omorodion was subject to an initial bid from Chelsea and senior staff have asked Lille forward Jonathan David’s representatives for information ahead of a potential move.

Manchester United are considering a surprise move for Chelsea left-back Ben Chilwell, 27. (Mail, via Metro), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Tuesday's full gossip column

Image source, Getty Images

Enzo Maresca says he is "very proud and excited" to be Chelsea's head coach and has told supporters "to trust the process".

The former Leicester City boss has completed his first week in his new role at Stamford Bridge and has given his first interview ahead of the new season.

"The feeling is fantastic," he told the club website. "I’m very excited.

"One of the reasons I’m here is because I’m convinced the squad is very good and full of talent. The most important thing now is we’re able to create the right culture that drives us for the season.

"I always say the same: if you are able to improve players then you are able to improve the team. So it’s our target to try to improve all of them day by day.

"When you join a club like Chelsea, you know that it’s a club that has to win. So for us, we are going to try our best to be there, to fight and compete with the clubs that in this moment are winning and fighting to win titles."

Maresca, who will face Manchester City's Pep Guardiola in his opening game, had this final message for the fans.

"Just trust the process, trust the idea, be behind the team. For sure we are going to enjoy the journey," he added.

"Like at every club, for every manager, it will not be easy because nothing is easy. But for sure we are going to enjoy our journey."

Nizaar Kinsella
BBC Sport football news reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Chelsea are set to return for pre-season on Monday and expected to have their first session under new manager Enzo Maresca.

There are still a lot of players out on international duty or on holidays from their involvement at Euro 2024 or Copa America.

The early part of pre-season will give youth players and returning loan players the chance to be seen by the new manager, who is yet to speak to the media following his appointment at Chelsea.

However, an in-house club media interview has dropped on Monday, as the Blues gear up for a tour of the United States.