(Reuters) – Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino has expressed his lack of control over decisions regarding midfielder Conor Gallagher’s future, stating that such determinations rest with the club’s owners and sporting directors. Pochettino’s high-priced team has been struggling for consistency, currently sitting in 11th place in the Premier League standings despite being two-time Champions League winners.
The pressure on Pochettino is increasing, especially after Chelsea’s recent defeat to Liverpool in the League Cup final. Despite the challenges, Chelsea managed to secure a spot in the FA Cup quarter-finals with Gallagher’s last-minute goal that sealed a 3-2 victory over second-tier Leeds United on Wednesday.
Regarding Gallagher’s contractual situation, Pochettino mentioned that he cannot influence the decision for the midfielder to stay, as Gallagher has not yet agreed to a new contract and his current deal expires next year. Pochettino emphasized to reporters on Friday: “It’s only between the club and Conor. I am the coach, and I need to stay in my place. I cannot intervene.”
Pochettino refrained from commenting on the influence that other Premier League coaches have on players’ futures and transfers, indicating that he does not have a say in such matters. He explained, “Because there is nothing for me to gain. What can I say? My responsibility as the head coach is to focus on coaching the team, selecting the starting 11 for the match against Brentford, improving the players, and aiming to secure victories.”
Despite his limited influence on these decisions, Pochettino highlighted that he maintains an open line of communication with the club’s sporting directors and owners. He expressed, “My door is always open, and we have a constructive relationship and dialogue with them. We are ready to assist in any way they deem necessary for the team’s success.”
(Reporting by Shifa Jahan in Bengaluru. Editing by Gerry Doyle)
