Conor Gallagher has openly shared his feelings of sadness for both himself and the departing manager, Mauricio Pochettino, following the latter’s exit from Chelsea. Pochettino had taken the reins at Stamford Bridge before the 2023–24 season, leading Chelsea to a sixth-place finish. However, this performance did not meet the expectations of owner Todd Boehly, who decided to make further changes, resulting in Pochettino’s departure by mutual consent shortly after the final game of the season.
Under Pochettino’s leadership, Gallagher was a key player for Chelsea, often wearing the captain’s armband and missing just one league game. His consistent performances earned him a spot in England’s Euro 2024 squad, having contributed five goals and seven assists throughout the season.
Following Pochettino’s departure, Enzo Maresca, formerly of Leicester, has been appointed as Chelsea’s new manager. Despite this transition, Gallagher has expressed his genuine sorrow about the previous managerial changes. He acknowledged the significant impact Pochettino had on his development and the trust and responsibility bestowed upon him.
Gallagher reflected on the past season, noting his personal growth and expressing gratitude to Pochettino for his unwavering support. He credited the former manager with providing him with the opportunity to showcase his skills and gain confidence. “I was sorry, of course, since he has done so much for me,” Gallagher remarked. “I’m sad for him and the coaching staff, but I’m also incredibly thrilled about the new manager’s arrival at Chelsea, as is everyone else.”
Gallagher emphasized the importance of trust and belief from a manager, stating that it boosts a player’s confidence and performance. He acknowledged Pochettino’s role in his development, saying, “To be honest, all a player wants is to be believed in and trusted, and he just shown that. You do better if your manager gives you a little affection.” This trust and support from Pochettino, Gallagher believes, have positioned him to contribute significantly to the team and England’s national squad.
Despite the managerial change, Gallagher remains optimistic and committed to building on the progress he made under Pochettino. He expressed a desire to continue improving and demonstrating his abilities for Chelsea. “I owe a debt of gratitude to Pochettino for providing me with the chance to demonstrate my abilities to Chelsea last season; perhaps, I can still do better.”
In a twist of events, Pochettino returned to Stamford Bridge within weeks of his departure, this time as the captain of a World XI in the Soccer Aid charity match for Unicef. Reflecting on his brief tenure at Chelsea, Pochettino expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to manage in the Premier League again and thanked the owners, sporting directors, players, staff, and supporters for their support.
Pochettino shared his thoughts on Instagram, acknowledging the hard work and progress made by the team during his time at Chelsea. “We strive so hard to provide you a Chelsea you can be proud of because we know how important this football club is to you all,” he wrote. He praised the players and staff for their efforts to improve and reach a higher level of performance, expressing pride in their achievements despite the challenges faced throughout the season.
Pochettino concluded by emphasizing the belief and potential he saw in the squad, noting that the experiences of the past season would make the players stronger in the future. He valued the close relationships formed during his tenure and appreciated the opportunity to work with such a dedicated group. “Working with them all has been enjoyable, and we value the close relationships we built over the last year,” he said, leaving a hopeful note for the future of Chelsea under new management.
