A New Challenge for Conor Gallagher
Roberto De Zerbi has set a clear objective for Conor Gallagher: to return to the form that made him a key player at Chelsea and help Tottenham avoid relegation. The 26-year-old midfielder, who joined Tottenham from Atletico Madrid in January 2023, has struggled to find his footing since leaving Stamford Bridge two years ago. His £55 million move to North London was intended to boost his chances of making the England squad for the World Cup, but it has not gone as planned.
Gallagher arrived at Spurs during a period of crisis, with the club facing significant challenges both on and off the pitch. He made little impact in his early appearances and was eventually dropped by interim manager Igor Tudor. His last appearance for England came in June, where he earned his 22nd cap in a friendly match against Senegal.
De Zerbi, who took charge of Tottenham earlier this season, has identified Gallagher as a key player to rebuild the team’s morale. “For Gallagher, it has not been easy,” De Zerbi said. “He left Chelsea after I don’t know how many seasons, went to Atletico Madrid, and now in Tottenham, in this moment for Tottenham. He was a leader in Chelsea, and now he has to adapt to a new club, to new teammates, to a new stadium, to a new everything. I have to help him to put as a target the Gallagher he was at Chelsea.”
A Familiar Face
De Zerbi was previously in charge at Brighton when the club attempted to sign Gallagher from Chelsea in the summer of 2023. At the time, Brighton had sold midfielders Moises Caicedo and Alexis Mac Allister, and De Zerbi saw Gallagher as a potential fit for his high-energy style of play. Now, as the manager of Tottenham, he is looking to implement a similar approach.
The Italian manager believes there are players already in the squad who can adapt to his style of play. This includes Gallagher, as well as Xavi Simons, another high-profile signing who joined from Leipzig in August. However, Simons has rarely been given the chance to showcase his talents under previous managers Thomas Frank and Igor Tudor.
“Players like Gallagher and Simons are part of the DNA of this club,” De Zerbi said ahead of his first game as Spurs boss against Sunderland. “The DNA of these players, of this club, is to keep the ball and to try to score.”
Tottenham’s Struggles and Ambitions
Tottenham finds itself in a precarious position, having fallen into the relegation zone following West Ham’s win against Wolverhampton Wanderers. The club is now in a race to secure its place in the Premier League, while also pursuing Liverpool left back Andy Robertson.
Robertson, who is set to leave Anfield when his contract expires at the end of the season, has been a target for Tottenham. The club was close to signing the 32-year-old in January when Frank was in charge, as they sought to add experience and leadership to the squad. However, the deal fell through due to injuries at Liverpool, which made it difficult for them to find suitable replacements.
Despite these challenges, De Zerbi remains focused on rebuilding the team and helping Gallagher rediscover his best form. With the right support and opportunities, Gallagher could play a crucial role in Tottenham’s fight for survival and their long-term ambitions.
