Graham Potter says fans “are entitled to their opinions” after sections of the traveling Chelsea support appeared to applaud Marc Cucurella’s substitution during Saturday’s draw with West Ham.
The Spanish international has struggled to convince since his £60m move to Stamford Bridge from Brighton and could face a battle to keep his place now Ben Chilwell has returned to something approaching full fitness.
On Friday, Potter offered Cucurella – who excelled under his stewardship on the south coast last season – his unwavering support after Blues co-owner Todd Boehly appeared to ‘like’ an article on social media suggesting the 24-year-old was simply not good enough.
Still, the defender’s struggles continued at the London Stadium as West Ham held Chelsea to a 1-1 draw and he was replaced by Chilwell with around twenty minutes to go.
Potter, however, insisted Cucurella had not become a “bad player overnight” and vowed to support him through the difficult period.
“In the summer, I know because I was the selling club, there was another club that were interested in Marc,” he said.
“From points of view in the Premier League they are a good club, so Marc hasn’t become a bad player at all but some players can go through bad times so we need to stick together and help him.
“Supporters are entitled to their opinion there’s nothing for me to be critical of. That’s just what we have to work with.”
