Former Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel had a “big fear” that he would need to replace Conor Gallagher.
What’s the word?
That is according to transfer insider Dean Jones who claims, via GIVEMESPORT, that Tuchel was sceptical over the 22-year-old’s ability in the engine room, with the England international expected to show his former manager that he “wasn’t wrong to put faith in him.”
Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Jones said: “His big fear was that he’s not quite up to it and that he needed to replace him in the squad.
“Now, Gallagher’s job is to prove to him that it wasn’t wrong to put faith in him, so that’s what he has to do now.”
Potter might be worried
Amidst the latest claim from transfer insider Jones, new boss Graham Potter will be worried over concerns that his newly inherited midfielder is not up to scratch, quality-wise.
In fairness, Gallagher has struggled to assert himself within the Chelsea midfield, though, the balance of the engine room was already negatively impacted by the absence of N’Golo Kante.
Having been afforded 157 minutes of top-flight action in the season so far, the 22-year-old has been unable to register a solitary attacking return.
His attacking output has seen him look like an entirely different asset to the player who struck eight goals and three assists last season at Crystal Palace.
The England international has also struggled to create a single big chance, but in fairness, only five Chelsea players have managed that feat so far this season, in a list that features the likes of Raheem Sterling, Reece James and Marc Cucurella.
Potter will be tasked with reinvigorating the 22-year-old, who will be desperate to return to his best form with the World Cup just around the corner.