Conor Gallagher has admitted feeling sad when Chelsea decided to part ways with manager Mauricio Pochettino. Pochettino, who took over at Stamford Bridge for the 2023-24 season, led the team to a sixth-place finish in the Premier League. However, this was not enough to secure his position, as owner Todd Boehly decided to make a change, leading to Pochettino’s departure by mutual consent shortly after the season ended.
Under Pochettino, Gallagher became a regular starter and even wore the captain’s armband multiple times. He missed just one league game and contributed significantly with five goals and seven assists, earning him a spot in England’s Euro 2024 squad.
Chelsea quickly appointed former Leicester City manager Enzo Maresca as Pochettino’s successor. Despite the new appointment, Gallagher expressed his gratitude and affection for the outgoing manager.
“Of course, he has done so much for me so I was sad,” Gallagher shared. “Sad for him and the coaching staff but really excited about the new manager coming in. Everyone at Chelsea is really excited to work with him.”
Gallagher credited Pochettino for his development over the season, highlighting the responsibility and trust the manager placed in him. “He just showed his belief and trust in me, which is all a player wants. If a manager shows you a bit of love, it makes you play better. It gives you confidence, and that’s what he gave me. I give a lot of credit to Pochettino for giving me that opportunity to show Chelsea what I could do last season. Hopefully, there is still room for improvement.”
Pochettino made a brief return to Stamford Bridge weeks after his departure, managing a World XI at the Soccer Aid charity match for Unicef. Reflecting on his tenure at Chelsea, he expressed gratitude for the opportunity and support received.
“To the owners, the sporting directors, we appreciate the opportunity to return to the Premier League at this great club Chelsea and for the support you gave us, as well as from all the players, staff, and fans – thank you,” Pochettino wrote on Instagram.
He added, “We understand how important this football club is to you all and that is why we worked so hard to give you a Chelsea you can be proud of. I am so pleased with the level the team reached and the way the players and staff have all worked so hard to increase their standards. I hope you felt that in their performances on the pitch.”
Pochettino acknowledged the ups and downs of the season but expressed confidence that the experiences and improvements made would strengthen the team for the future. “It has been a pleasure to work with them all and we appreciate the strong bonds we created in this last year together.”
