Graham Potter reveals why Conor Gallagher is frustrated by his limited playing time at Chelsea
According to Graham Potter, Conor Gallagher has been frustrated by his lack of playing time. In the last eight games, Gallagher has been a substitute rather than a starter for the Blues.
This weekend in the Premier League match against Everton, the England international replaced Christian Pulisic as a substitute in the 62nd minute.
Potter has acknowledged Gallagher’s frustrations, but he and his coaching staff are of the opinion that Gallagher is a world-class player. Chelsea were held to a 2-2 draw by Everton after an 89th-minute equaliser from Ellis Simms salvaged a point for the Toffees.
The Blues are now in 10th position, 11 points behind Tottenham Hotspur in fourth place, whereas a victory would have moved them up to ninth. Potter acknowledged Gallagher’s frustration following the game and explained why during the press conference, (h/t Metro):
‘’If he doesn’t start, then there’s the chance he can be the first change. We used Kova and Enzo in midfield; that’s a tactical decision, and the front three of Kai, Joao, and Pulisic are more dribbles.”
‘’Conor has been unlucky because whenever he comes on, he does really well. He’ll be frustrated, and rightly so, but we think the world of him. He is a fantastic team player.’’
Gallagher will certainly be frustrated as he isn’t getting enough game-time and would think he is still young and playing as a substitute could waste his peak years.
But the 23-year-old hasn’t had a significant influence in the games and has not succeeded in making his presence felt in midfield. Meanwhile, Enzo Fernandez, Mateo Kovacic and N’Golo Kante are all players that, for many, would be better picks than the former Crystal Palace midfielder on current form.
Potter’s decision-making was disappointing once more when he brought Gallagher on in the 62nd minute to defend the lead, but Abdoulaye Doucoure eventually made it 1-1 for Everton in the ensuing seven minutes.
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- Chelsea not keen to sign Denis Zakaria permanently in the summer
- Graham Potter enchants Chelsea fans Champions League assurance
If Gallagher wants to see more action, he can either elevate his performance or find a team where he will get adequate game time, especially if the Blues enter the fray for a new central midfielder this summer. A loan move wouldn’t hurt.
