Marc Cucurella (Alella, Barcelona, 1998) is one of the important men of the Olympic Selection both on and off the field. He will be Luis de la Fuente's starting left-back in the championship and attends AS to tell his impressions in the days before the start.
How is the preparation for the Games going?
It's different, we had never been with the National Team before starting the preseason with the clubs. We know that it is a very beautiful competition, that it is difficult to play it and we feel privileged. We must prepare well because they are going to be very tough games.
Are you aware of how special some Games are?
Yes, of course. Spain has not been classified since 2012, it is a unique opportunity. Your generation must touch you, classify you … We are aware of the responsibility we have, we must represent Spain in the Olympic Games as it deserves. We have to leave the list very high, the objective is to fight for the medals.
For the medals or for the gold?
We would, of course. But we are aware of how difficult it is. The medal leaves you satisfied although, of course, if we go to Japan it is with the aim of returning with the gold.
Do they look at the level of the best?
Yes. Spain is one of the world powers in soccer. We believe we have a great team, great players. Without believing ourselves better than anyone, because that would be a mistake, but we know the group we have. We go with our feet on the ground, with humility, but knowing that we are good and capable of doing something special.
Does it come as a winger or a winger?
That question is for the coach. From what we have trained in theory I come from the wing. Wherever I am, I will give my best and do my bit.
In which area are you most comfortable?
It depends on the style. In teams like the National Team, where we have possession for a long time and the rivals lock themselves in, I am more comfortable as a winger because I have more travel. At Getafe, at the extreme, we play differently because we look for more spaces. All my life I have been lateral and it is where I feel most comfortable.
Do you think that the styles of Getafe or Eibar have caused people to get the wrong image of you as a player?
Maybe yes. At the beginning when I arrived at Barcelona they told me that I was a more defensive than offensive side and now the opposite is happening to me, they tell me that I am more offensive. I have always played as a winger and I have had all these concepts since I was little because they have been many years.
Are you more comfortable in the Selection touch style or more vertical styles?
In both. Are very different. In the Selection I am very comfortable. I am a player who does not stand out because of the one against one or because of the overflow, I am more about associating myself and looking for the collective game. More than an individual, I am a team player. In that sense, in the National Team I can get my best version.
When you see Barcelona today… Are you angry that they didn't give you the opportunity that other young people like Pedri or Mingueza have had?
When you are in the quarry your dream is to play in the first team. I think that me and others like Aleñà or Carles Pérez were not given the opportunity they deserved or that we could have had. Also to Miranda or Chumi. It depends a lot on the moment, look now Mingueza or Pedri … The players of the house are not going to give you an immediate performance, you cannot expect the best of them in two or three games. But regularly you gain confidence, for young people it is very important.
Did the 1998 Barça generation lack a Koeman?
More than a Koeman… I couldn't say. But it is true that with a little more patience … I know it is difficult, because in those clubs you want to win everything, aspire to the maximum and a player from the quarry in the first two or three games does not give you his best level. But when he gains confidence, feels comfortable with the team and trust him, the best versions arrive. We have seen it with Mingueza, who has risen from Barça B and has set the bar high.
He clarified that his clause is 18 million and not 30. What happened?
I didn't say it to offend. I don't know if my statements were offensive to the fans or if they saw it as disrespectful. If so, I apologize. Getafe is my home, the Coliseum is the first field my son stepped on.
What awaits you in the future? Do you want to play in Europe?
In Getafe I'm fine. It is true that any player likes to play in Europe. But I'm super comfortable, we have a new project with new signings. I don't like to talk about this, I have a contract and this is not the time. I must not think about anything other than the Games. I want to be calm.