Conor Gallagher has explained how talkative manager Roberto De Zerbi has revitalized his Tottenham Hotspur players through regular individual meetings and discussions that remind players of their former capabilities.
The Italian has awakened Spurs at a crucial juncture, and their 2-1 win at Aston Villa on Sunday lifted them clear of the Premier League’s relegation zone at West Ham United’s expense. Gallagher, specifically, has flourished under De Zerbi and netted his maiden Tottenham goal at Villa Park with a precise low strike from distance, marking just over two years since his previous away goal in the Premier League at the same ground.
Tottenham remain undefeated across their last three fixtures under their new head coach, recording one draw and two wins, and with two of their final three games at home, Gallagher, who joined for £35 ($44) million from Atletico Madrid in January, feels De Zerbi has arrived at the perfect moment, via football.london.
Gallagher has rediscovered his form since Roberto De Zerbi’s appointment -Credit:Adrian Dennis / AFP via Getty Images
“The gaffer has been brilliant with us. He’s brought the team together. He’s really worked on players individually with one-to-one meetings and one-to-one chats, trying to get that belief and confidence back in the players. He’s done that with me and it’s made a big difference,” said the 26-year-old.
“I know he’s done that with a lot of the other lads. As a team as well, all the work he’s done on the training pitch and the meeting rooms, it’s been fantastic and everyone is on the same page.”
De Zerbi has long been an admirer of Gallagher and had targeted him during his time as a Chelsea player, telling football.london on Sunday that he feels he has rediscovered that version of the midfielder following his Man of the Match performance at Villa Park.
“Yes, absolutely. When Gallagher plays like this, we play with 12 players because you can find him as a striker, as a midfielder, as a full-back, everywhere on the pitch you can find him!” said the Italian. “Great player, great passion, great qualities.”
The midfielder acknowledges that De Zerbi has drawn on his time at Stamford Bridge as the driving force to help him rediscover his best form.
“He just reminds me of when I was at my best. He said that second season at Chelsea, when I had a really good season, he just reminded me of that player,” said Gallagher. “He wants me to be like that again and to not forget how good I can be. He’s done that with a lot of the lads. It’s as simple as that, just trying to remind us of what we were when we were at our best.”
De Zerbi has fared no better on the injury front than those who came before him, with Mohammed Kudus, Xavi Simons, and Dominic Solanke all sidelined during his early weeks at the helm, yet his optimism regarding the squad remains undimmed.
“Of course it’s tough losing such big players but that just shows the quality in our squad, to be honest. If we can perform like that with some of our best players injured, it’s a great sign,” said Gallagher. “It’s something the club and the fans should be excited for and happy.
“It’s a really good feeling because I feel like all the lads, the manager and the staff are all coming together as one, no matter if you’re starting or you’re coming on the pitch [as a sub]. We know the situation we’re in, everyone is giving everything they’ve got.”
Gallagher praised De Zerbi’s man management, highlighting his one-on-one meetings with players -Credit:Michael Steele/Getty Images
The midfielder understands there is still plenty of work ahead in the games against Leeds, Chelsea, and Everton if Spurs are to avoid dropping into the Championship.
“The only thing we’re focused on is the next game. This game is gone now, we’ve had a great performance and a really important three points but there’s still a long way to go,” he said. “There’s a lot of work to do. We’re fully focused on the next game and hopefully do the same performance and another win.”
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