Jason Cundy was involved in a heated studio debate as he slammed Marc Cucurella for publicly criticising Chelsea’s board.
In a recent bombshell interview, the Spaniard hit out at the Blues’ youth-centric transfer policy and ownership decisions.
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Prior to the international break, Liam Rosenior’s side were on a nightmare run of form, having lost each of their last four matches.
This included a humiliating Champions League round of 16 exit, which saw them thrashed 8-2 on aggregate by Paris Saint-Germain.
Worse still, Chelsea find themselves at risk of missing out on qualification for Europe’s premier competition next term, having dropped to sixth in the Premier League table.
What did Marc Cucurella say?
Still reeling from recent events, Cucurella voiced his concerns over the situation at Chelsea in brutal fashion.
The 27-year-old criticised the club’s transfer policy under the BlueCo consortium, which has seen them focus on signing young players, claiming the Blues are lacking proven, high-quality options.
Speaking to the Athletic, he said of the PSG loss: “You are fighting and training every day only to realise, at the very end, that when games matter, we are still a bit away from the top level.
“I understand this is part of the club’s policy, and that they want to take this direction — signing young players and looking to the future.
“But, for all of us who are still here and want to win big things, moments like this make you feel discouraged.”
In the same interview, Cucurella also questioned the board’s decision to allow former boss Enzo Maresca to leave the club in January.
Cundy: Cucurella is part of problem
Cucurella’s explosive comments caused a stir in the eSPORTY studios, with former Chelsea defender Jason Cundy left furious.
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Appearing on eSPORTY’s Inside Chelsea podcast, Cundy slammed the left-back for the timing of his comments and insisted his performances have contributed to the Blues’ poor form
He began: “I understand his frustration because we all feel it as well.
“I find it interesting that he’s chosen the words that he has – about fighting in training every day to realise [you don’t have the players].
“Right now, you are part of the problem, Cucurella. We are where we are and the performances, your levels have dropped.”
Not everyone agreed with Cundy, however, as fellow pundit Matisse Armani argued Cucurella was right to be frustrated.
The Blues superfan insisted the Spain star could look to leave if the club’s owners don’t sign players capable of winning silverware.
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He said: “Cucurella is in his prime. He wants to win trophies. He’s got two options.
“Either Chelsea are going to start moving in a way that prioritises winning trophies and winning at the highest level – which we can clearly see with the strategy and the model that is not the priority – or he’s going to have to leave the football club because he wants to achieve things.
Admitting Cucurella has been underperforming recently, Armani claimed Chelsea’s transfer policy places too much pressure on key players.
He added: “The likes of Cucurella, [Moises] Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez, and Reece James, their levels have dropped.
“But do you think they can carry this football club to where they want to get to?
“Or do you think they’re going to need some help? Other players like Alejandro Garnacho, like Pedro Neto, who are nowhere near pulling their weight.”
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‘Who the hell does he think he is?’
While Armani sympathised with Cucurella, Cundy only became more riled by his comments and tore into the defender.
Responding to Armani, he said: “I don’t disagree with you, but Cucurella’s paid a huge amount of money, right? Do your talking on the pitch.”
Continuing to slate the timing of his interview, the Sports Bar host added: “It would land better if he was putting in performances that were of a standard.
“His performances have dropped. Caicedo’s have dropped, Enzo’s. Everyone’s performances have dropped.
“We are in a position now where the football club is in a real crucial period. And these comments are coming out from someone who I am seeing not putting in the levels.”
Rounding off his furious rant, Cundy raged: “Who the hell does he think he is? He’s a player. You are paid to play football.
“Keep your mouth shut, do your job.”
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