Conor Gallagher recently expressed deep sentiments regarding the departure of Mauricio Pochettino from Chelsea. When the news broke that Pochettino and the club were parting ways after the 2023-24 season, Gallagher couldn’t hide his mixed emotions. Pochettino had taken charge at Stamford Bridge just before the start of the season and led Chelsea to a sixth-place finish. However, the expectations at a club like Chelsea are always sky-high, and with the need for further improvements, the decision for mutual separation was reached shortly after the season concluded.
During Pochettino’s tenure, Gallagher had become a pivotal figure in the team, often donning the captain’s armband. His performances were instrumental in securing a place in England’s Euro 2024 squad, boasting five goals and seven assists, with just one league game missed throughout the season.
Following Pochettino’s departure, Enzo Maresca, formerly of Leicester City, was appointed as Chelsea’s new manager. When asked about Pochettino’s exit, Gallagher spoke candidly, expressing his sadness for both the departing manager and the coaching staff, acknowledging the positive impact Pochettino had on his career.
“I was saddened, of course, because he’s been incredibly influential in my career,” Gallagher remarked. “I feel for him and the coaching team. However, I’m also excited about the arrival of our new manager at Chelsea, as I think everyone is.”
Reflecting on his personal growth under Pochettino, Gallagher added, “I believe I’ve developed a lot this season. I’m grateful to Pochettino for everything he’s done for me, especially for trusting me and giving me responsibility at Chelsea. It’s put me in a better position heading into the tournament, and I’m eager to contribute to England’s success.”
Gallagher emphasized the importance of trust and support from a manager, stating, “As a player, all you want is to feel believed in and trusted, and he certainly showed that. When your manager has faith in you, it boosts your confidence, and that’s exactly what happened for me. I’ll continue to build on that. I owe Pochettino a lot for giving me the opportunity to showcase my abilities at Chelsea last season, and I aim to improve even further.”
Looking ahead, Enzo Maresca steps in as Pochettino’s successor for the upcoming season at Chelsea. Meanwhile, Pochettino made a swift return to Stamford Bridge, captaining a World XI in the Soccer Aid charity match for Unicef. Reflecting on his brief but impactful stint in West London, Pochettino expressed gratitude for the opportunity to return to Premier League action with Chelsea and thanked everyone involved with the club for their support.
“We’re thankful for the chance to be back in the Premier League at Chelsea and for the support from owners, directors, players, staff, and fans – thank you,” Pochettino shared on Instagram. “Our goal has always been to make you proud of Chelsea, understanding how significant this club is to all of you. I’m pleased with the progress the squad made and the effort shown by players and staff. They deserve immense credit, and I hope you saw that in their performances.”
Pochettino also highlighted his belief in the squad’s potential, despite the challenges faced during the season. “We always had faith in this squad and their ability to achieve consistency, even through the ups and downs. I think the experiences of this season will only make the players stronger moving forward, and we witnessed significant progress. It’s been a joy working with them all, and we cherish the close relationships formed over the past year.”
In conclusion, while Pochettino’s departure brought a mix of emotions for Gallagher and the Chelsea community, it also marked a new chapter under Maresca’s leadership. Both managers left indelible marks on the club, contributing to its ongoing legacy in English football.