Mauricio Pochettino has praised Conor Gallagher for his consistent performances in the top flight despite doubts over his long career at Chelsea.
The 23-year-old midfielder has been one of Chelsea’s stars this season and will most likely lead his team as a substitute captain at Middlesbrough on Tuesday night.
Academy product Gallagher has been able to compartmentalise rumours about being sold so Chelsea can spend money on a big-name striker as his contract enters its final 18 months.
Asked how the local star has dealt with the uncertainty about his future, Pochettino replied: “I think he’s doing a job, he’s running well, he’s helping the club a lot, he’s helping us and his teammates.
“We are satisfied with his performance. He deserves credit because he knows the club. He knows the demands of the Premier League. We’re very happy with him. “
He added: “If you need to ask me if I’m talking about this scenario with Conor: yes.
“Like all the players, when rumours happen, it’s always good to have a good conversation with the player, like Ian Maatsen, or different players like this, Andrey Santos.
“I think it’s vital for us as coaches to have very clear, very direct and fair conversations with the players. It’s healthy to have those kinds of relationships. We were talking about all the other topics, and if we have something to communicate, then we will.
Gallagher and Thiago Silva were the two veteran players rested in Saturday’s 4-0 FA Cup home win over Preston. But either of them will start the first leg of the Carabao Cup semifinal in midweek at Riverside.
Pochettino also praised Silva, the oldest player in Chelsea’s squad at 39, before the trip to the north-east.
“We want to take care of it, take care of it and manage it the way I would like it to be,” he said. “When you have some experience, the most important thing is to feel the respect of your staff. “
“I can’t force him to exercise or do things like an 18-year-old because it’s two other levels. Neither greater nor worse, but others.
“We still care about that. He’s doing very well. He’s helping the team a lot. “
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