Liverpool’s Arne Slot Praises Marc Cucurella Despite 2-1 Defeat at Stamford Bridge — “He Changed the Game”
🔵🔥Despite suffering a 2-1 defeat to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, Liverpool manager Arne Slot surprised fans by offering heartfelt praise to an unlikely opponent — Marc Cucurella. While the result dented Liverpool’s title hopes, Slot’s post-match comments revealed a rare mix of frustration and admiration.
“I didn’t expect him to perform like that, but his composure and presence on the pitch were outstanding,” Slot admitted.
A Thriller at Stamford Bridge
The Premier League clash delivered everything fans could hope for — high tempo, tactical battles, and late drama. Chelsea, thriving under Enzo Maresca’s pressing system, struck first through Moisés Caicedo’s stunning 25-yard goal. Liverpool responded in the 60th minute when Mohamed Salah calmly finished from a Cody Gakpo assist.
However, in stoppage time, Chelsea’s teenage wonder Estêvão Willian — a £50 million signing from Palmeiras — sealed victory after slotting home Cole Palmer’s perfect pass. The goal lifted Chelsea into fourth place, leaving Liverpool clinging to third and searching for consistency under Slot.
Cucurella’s Redemption Story
While Estêvão grabbed the headlines, Marc Cucurella’s performance was the real story of the night. The Spanish defender — often criticized for his £62 million move from Brighton in 2022 — was rock-solid, shutting down Salah for most of the match.
His stats told the story: 9 of 11 ground duels won, 5 tackles, 3 interceptions, and 89% pass accuracy from 78 touches. He pressed intelligently, read the game superbly, and radiated confidence. For a player once written off as a transfer flop, this was a turning point.
“We had control at times, but Cucurella… he changed the game,” Slot said. “I expected aggression and mistakes, but his composure was on another level. Maresca has unlocked something special there.”
Maresca’s Tactical Masterstroke
Cucurella’s revival under Enzo Maresca is no accident. The Chelsea boss has reinvented the Spaniard as a hybrid left-back/midfielder, similar to Pep Guardiola’s tactical approach at Manchester City. This role allows him to support attacks while maintaining defensive stability.
“Marc’s always had the engine — now he has the brain,” Maresca said, crediting video analysis and tailored training sessions for the improvement.
Cucurella himself remained humble: “Arne’s words mean a lot, but it was a team effort. We’re building something strong.”
Praise from All Corners
The Spaniard’s performance drew admiration from across the football world.
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Jamie Carragher hailed him as “the best Chelsea performer in months.”
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Jose Mourinho called him an “unsung hero” on social media.
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Even Mohamed Salah congratulated him after the final whistle.
Meanwhile, Liverpool’s Florian Wirtz faced criticism for a lackluster display, as Slot’s side struggled to capitalize on their 58% possession and 14 shots. Darwin Núñez missed two clear chances, and Alexis Mac Allister was overrun by Chelsea’s dynamic midfield.
Liverpool’s Challenges Ahead
The defeat marks Liverpool’s third loss in five matches, raising questions about their form under Slot. The Dutch coach remains optimistic, viewing the upcoming international break as a vital reset.
“We’ll learn from this. Cucurella showed grit — we need more of that ourselves,” he said.
With Manchester City next on the schedule, pressure at Anfield is mounting, while Chelsea’s young squad — featuring talents like Estêvão and Alejandro Garnacho — continues to gain momentum.
Chelsea’s Resurgence Continues
This victory further validates Maresca’s long-term project. Despite key injuries to Reece James and Benoît Badiashile, Chelsea’s backline — anchored by Cucurella and Levi Colwill (92% passing accuracy) — displayed remarkable composure.
Their fourth win in six games has reignited belief around Stamford Bridge, echoing the fortress-like dominance of Mourinho’s era.
A Touch of Respect in Rivalry
In a league often fueled by rivalry and ego, Slot’s honest praise stood out. His acknowledgment of Cucurella’s brilliance added a human touch to an otherwise intense contest.
“Football is about moments,” Cucurella reflected. “Tonight was mine — and Arne’s respect made it even more special.”
Liverpool must now regroup, but one thing is clear: Marc Cucurella’s comeback is real. Once labeled a “transfer mistake,” he’s fast becoming Maresca’s most trusted weapon — and one of the Premier League’s standout defenders this season.