Timing can make or break a footballer's career, and for Conor Gallagher his arrival at Tottenham Hotspur could not have been less fortunate. The midfielder joined the club in January, moving from Atletico Madrid for a fee of £35 million, only to see manager Thomas Frank dismissed weeks later. Igor Tudor took over, and Gallagher later admitted that Tudor "wasn't having me" as a player while the team fought to avoid relegation. Those were dark days at White Hart Lane, and Gallagher felt trapped in a slump with little hope of turning things around.
Everything began to shift when Roberto De Zerbi was appointed head coach in March. Under De Zerbi's guidance, Tottenham escaped the drop and secured their place in the Premier League for another season. Gallagher contributed to that survival, though he confessed in an emotional interview on the final day that he had not yet been able to showcase his true abilities to the fans.
Now, with a new manager and a fresh start, Gallagher believes the moment has arrived to write the next chapter of his Spurs story. "It's time to kick on and show the supporters what I can do," he told Sky Sports. "I want to be at my best and help the club reach the level we deserve.
Everyone goes through tough periods in life – it's just part of the game. I'm grateful we got through it and finished the season on a positive note. I hope this is only the beginning of my Tottenham career." The tone of his comments suggests a markedly different Gallagher, one who appears confident and optimistic just weeks before the new campaign begins. A large part of this renewed confidence can be attributed to De Zerbi, who arrived at the club in March and immediately set about changing the atmosphere.
Gallagher explained that his improvement was largely a matter of confidence and, to a lesser extent, physical conditioning that comes from regular match minutes. "I wasn't used to playing that much at the time," he said. "The manager gave me a boost of confidence and I started getting more consistent minutes on the pitch. A lot of credit goes to him, but for him it's only the start as well." De Zerbi quickly earned a reputation for his demanding standards and intense training methods, which initially intimidated Gallagher.
"He was a bit scary the first time we met," Gallagher admitted, "but after a while that feeling faded. He's actually a very nice person, but you can't slack off. You have to give 100 percent in training and in games." He praised De Zerbi as a coach who inspires belief in his players, saying the manager constantly encourages them to trust his vision.
"He always says, 'If you listen to me, stick with me and believe, we'll be fine.'" That mantra helped the squad navigate a precarious situation last season, and De Zerbi's unwavering self‑belief now demands that everyone on the team shares his commitment. De Zerbi's confidence in Gallagher is evident in his public remarks.
During a pre‑season trip to Sydney, the manager remarked that when Gallagher is at his best, it feels as if Tottenham have an extra player on the field – a stark contrast to the months when Gallagher struggled for game time. Gallagher smiled at the compliment, noting, "I always try to give my best whenever I'm on the pitch. I feel I'm entering the prime years of my career. I've played for several clubs and loved each experience, and now I want a bigger role and to lead by example, both on and off the field." Tottenham have shown strong support for De Zerbi this summer, completing a flurry of signings worth almost £200 million, all featuring Premier League experience.
Early arrivals such as Sandro Tonali, Mateus Fernandes and Andy Robertson have had time to build chemistry, laying a foundation for De Zerbi's tactical plans. For the Italian manager, fostering relationships is as crucial as assembling a talented squad. Gallagher highlighted the importance of team bonding, recalling a recent dinner where the players and coaching staff enjoyed a relaxed evening together. "The gaffer loves it – a team dinner, a few drinks, a night out.
It helps us gel as a group," Gallagher said. The manager's vision was on display during a pre‑season friendly against Chelsea, a fierce rival and Gallagher's former club. The match was intense, and Gallagher's aggressive tackle on Dario Essugo drew a brief moment of controversy.
He later laughed it off, explaining, "That tackle looked worse than it was. I had no intention of hurting anyone." The incident underscored De Zerbi's philosophy: dominate possession, control the tempo, and play with the right mentality. "He wants us to dominate everything – to have the ball, to dictate the game," Gallagher explained. "Of course he wants us to win every match, but he believes we can out‑play any opponent if we stick to the right approach and personality." Looking ahead, the question remains how far De Zerbi can take Tottenham after two consecutive 17th‑place finishes.
The club's significant investment and the renewed belief among the players suggest a potential turnaround. Gallagher, for his part, feels he has finally found his place. "It feels perfect here," he concluded, hinting that his best years at Spurs may be just beginning.
With De Zerbi's tactical acumen, a refreshed squad, and Gallagher's renewed vigor, Tottenham could be poised for a compelling season that finally lifts them out of the relegation shadows and back into the upper echelons of English football.