08 January 2024 , 22:30
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Mauricio Pochettino has held talks with Conor Gallagher over the Chelsea midfielder’s future.
Gallagher, 23, has 18 months left on his current deal and wants to stay at Stamford Bridge but Chelsea could yet end up cashing in as they look to strengthen their squad in January. Chelsea boss Pochettino has made Gallagher a big part of his plans and clearly the manager rates the England international even if uncertainty remains.
Tottenham are long term admirers and the hierarchy must decide whether to sell and give themselves more spending power for new signings or give Gallagher a new contract.
When asked whether a definitive decision had been taken, Pochettino said: “No, no, no. We talked about many, many subjects because it’s normal. But it’s a very natural situation that, of course, we talk in a very natural way.
“If you want to ask me if I was talking with Conor about this situation, yes. Like all the players when some rumour happens, always it’s good to have a good conversation with the player, like Ian Maatsen, or different players like this, Andrey Santos.
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“I think always it’s important for us, the coaches, to have very clear and very direct, honest conversations with the players. It’s healthy to have these type of relationships.
“I think he’s doing a fantastic job, he’s working well, he’s helping the club and us and team-mates a lot. We are happy with his performances. He has an advantage because he knows the club, he knows the demands of the Premier League. We are so happy with him.”
Mauricio Pochettino clearly rates the England midfielder (JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images)
Gallagher has even worn the armband on occasion this season and is loved by the fanbase because he has been at the club since he was eight, is a boyhood fan and has made it plain he wants to stay. The midfielder knows all about Chelsea’s history as perennial winners of cup competitions and Pochettino has been brought in to win silverware.
Pochettino admitted that it is up to the current generation to buy into Chelsea’s winning mentality and build foundations for long term success, starting with the Carabao Cup semi final with Middlesbrough as a path to Wembley and glory.
Pochettino admitted: “We are winners and we want to win and it’s a great opportunity for us, this semi final.
“Not only for the young players, but also for the older group of players. The club mentality is about winning, we have a winning mentality at Chelsea and we can’t talk in any different way.
“But the group of today, the staff, the coaches, the players, we need to build this and match the club in terms of mentality which the club has. It’s a good opportunity to match and to make the fans proud, and the club, because it’s always about winning and this is a great opportunity to step up.
“We can show we are more mature, we are learning and of course that is a great opportunity to realise that playing in Chelsea is not enough if you are doing well.
“It’s about doing well and not just performing in one game but every game and in every single competition.”
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