Conor Gallagher: Tuchel insists decision yet to be made on Chelsea future
Speaking in his pre-match presser ahead of the West Brom game (h/t Chelseafc.com), Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel has insisted that it is not the right time to make a decision on the future of Conor Gallagher.
The England U-21 international is enjoying a productive loan spell at West Bromwich Albion after having done well at Charlton Athletic and Swansea City last season.
The progress Gallagher has made away on loan over the past couple of years hasn’t been lost on the Chelsea manager, who had words of praise for the young attacking midfielder.
“‘It is not only my decision, it his responsibility to show up and this is what he does. So he fought his way through as a loan player which is very impressive and he never stops improving.”
However, Tuchel insists that it is not the right time for Chelsea to be making a decision on the future of Gallagher. The German also called on the youngster keep his focus at West Brom for the rest of the season.
“It is not the moment to take decisions now for Conor but I am very aware that he is still our player. The momentum now is that we have crucial weeks ahead of us, and for him and his mission at West Brom also.
“He is a very regular player for West Brom and I wish that he can stay totally focused on that and when it is the moment and the situation to decide, we will decide – but it is clearly not now.”
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Tuchel’s comments come after reports claimed that Gallagher was set to be given a shot at first-team football at Chelsea next season. The 21-year-old has featured 25 times in all competitions for West Brom, scoring and assisting two goals apiece. (h/t Transfermarkt)
After having earned his stripes out on loan, the time might be right for Tuchel and Chelsea to hand Gallagher a chance next term. But given the plethora of options for the attacking midfield slots, it remains to be seen whether the Englishman gets his opportunity.