Conor Gallagher Reflects On Chelsea Exit And Embraces Atletico Madrid Challenge

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Conor Gallagher has clarified that his exit from Chelsea wasn't due to a lack of technical skills needed for Enzo Maresca's possession-based approach. Gallagher, who joined Chelsea at six, made 95 senior appearances for the club between 2019 and 2024. He often captained the team last season under Mauricio Pochettino when Reece James was injured.

Gallagher moved to Atletico Madrid for £34 million in August, amid doubts about his fit with Maresca's style. He started 37 of Chelsea's 38 league games last season, completing 1,766 out of 1,930 passes with a 91.5% accuracy rate—the highest among Chelsea midfielders. Moises Caicedo followed with a 90.8% pass accuracy.

When adjusted to per-90-minute values, Gallagher ranked third among Chelsea midfielders for completed passes (50.7 per 90), successful passes in the opposition half (28.56), and fourth for passes in the final third (15.67). Despite these stats, he disagrees with the notion that he couldn't fit into Maresca's system.

"I don't think that's true," said Gallagher. "Last season I had a good season with Chelsea and you could see that by Pochettino playing me every game and showing his trust in me."

Gallagher has contributed positively to Atletico Madrid's strong start this season. The team is currently third in LaLiga, tied with Real Madrid on eight points from four games. Discussing his initial interactions with Diego Simeone, Gallagher noted: "He was very welcoming and it was, 'ready to get to work?', basically."

"That's what he's like; he just wants everyone to work as hard as possible, to prepare for each game and to win—and that's perfect for me," added Gallagher.

Future Prospects

Gallagher is also looking forward to representing England in their Nations League opener against the Republic of Ireland on Saturday. This will be their first match under caretaker boss Lee Carsley.

"The fans appreciated what I did on the pitch," said Gallagher. "I'm very grateful for all of that and very thankful to the fans, and very thankful to Pochettino for giving me that platform to go and express myself and show the best version of myself at Chelsea."

Chelsea has made its own decisions by bringing in top players on long contracts. "That wasn't the situation with me but what happened is good for everyone," concluded Gallagher.