Conor Gallagher, the English midfielder who has made the jump from Chelsea to Atlético de Madrid, has surprised with some recent statements. Amid speculation about his departure from the London team, Gallagher decided to speak clearly about what really happened. In an interview prior to an English national team match in Dublin, the player clarified some of the most notorious rumours.
The controversy over Maresca and his departure
One of the strongest rumours surrounding Conor Gallagher's departure from Chelsea was that Enzo Maresca, the team's assistant coach, did not trust him. However, the player himself was blunt about it: "I don't think that's true," he said. Gallagher explained that his performance last season under Mauricio Pochettino was quite solid. In fact, Pochettino included him in practically every game, which shows the confidence that the manager placed in him.
“It’s not a lack of confidence, I played a lot and the Chelsea fans appreciated what I did on the pitch,” added the now English player of Atlético de Madrid. This statement denies any conflict with the Chelsea coaching staff and makes it clear that his departure was not related to internal problems.
Chelsea's decision and the future at Atlético de Madrid
Gallagher also commented on how Chelsea have made strategic decisions in recent years, signing players on long-term contracts. This, however, was not the case for him, although he does not see it as a negative. “Chelsea make their own decisions and they have brought in some top players on long contracts, and that was not my situation,” he explained.
Despite this, Gallagher does not hold any grudges and assures that the outcome was favourable for all parties involved. “In the end, what happened is good for everyone, so we are all happy. Things happen in football,” he added with a positive attitude.
His happiness at Atlético de Madrid
Now at Atlético Madrid, Gallagher is excited about the new chapter of his career. “Chelsea was a dream come true for me, I am very lucky. A lot of things happened while Chelsea and Atlético were trying to reach an agreement, but I was always calm,” he said about the negotiation process.
He is also happy to be under Diego Simeone's orders. Little by little, the English midfielder has been gaining the trust of the Argentine coach, something he values very much. "I am happy with the result and with how things are going," added Gallagher, making it clear that his arrival at Atlético has not only been an important step for his career, but also a decision that makes him feel satisfied on a personal and professional level.