“I don’t think it’s true that I don’t fit Enzo Maresca’s system” - Conor Gallagher speaks about Chelsea exit after Atletico Madrid switch
Conor Gallagher has opened up on his Chelsea exit earlier this summer. He rubbished claims that he isn't fit for Enzo Maresca's system, pointing out his contributions in the 2023-24 campaign.
The Blues sold Gallagher earlier this summer to Atletico Madrid for a reported fee of €40 million. It became a pure profit as the midfielder was a Cobham academy graduate. There were also some claims that he might not fit into new manager Enzo Maresca's system, which demands technical players.
However, Gallagher has rubbished such claims and pointed out how he contributed well under Mauricio Pochettino for Chelsea last season. He said (via The Guardian):
“I don’t think that’s true [that I don't fit in Enzo Maresca's system]. Last season I had a good season with Chelsea and you could see by Pochettino playing me every game and showing his trust in me. The fans appreciated what I did on the pitch.
"I’m very grateful for all of that and very thankful to the fans, and very thankful to Pochettino for giving me that platform to go and express myself and show the best version of myself at Chelsea.”
Gallagher made 50 appearances across competitions for the west London side last season, scoring seven goals and providing nine assists. He also captained the side in the absence of Reece James due to an injury.
The Blues fans even brought out a tifo for Gallagher ahead of their clash at Stamford Bridge against Tottenham Hotspur in May, which read:
"Chelsea since birth"
Gallagher made 95 senior appearances for the club, registering 10 goals and 10 assists.
Conor Gallagher on meeting Diego Simeone after joining Atletico Madrid from Chelsea
Conor Gallagher has now joined Atletico Madrid and has made two La Liga appearances, starting in one of them. He also spoke about how manager Diego Simeone has welcomed him at the club and his character, saying (via The Guardian):
“He was very welcoming and it was ‘Ready to get to work?’ basically. That’s what he’s like, that’s his character; he just wants everyone to work as hard as possible, to prepare for each game and to win – and that’s perfect for me.”
Atletico Madrid have had an unbeaten start to the 2024-25 campaign albeit it is arguably underwhelming in terms of expected results. They drew 2-2 at Villarreal in their first game before hammering Girona 3-0 at home. They then played out a goalless draw at home against newly promoted Espanyol.