Timing can make or break a footballer's trajectory, and for Conor Gallagher, the clock has hardly been kind. The midfielder arrived at Tottenham Hotspur in January, having completed a £35 million move from Atlético Madrid, only to find the club in turmoil. Within weeks, head coach Thomas Frank was dismissed and replaced by Igor Tudor, a manager who, by Gallagher’s own admission, "wasn't having me" as a player while the team fought to avoid relegation.

Those early months were bleak, and Gallagher struggled to see a clear path forward. The arrival of Roberto De Zerbi in March marked a turning point.

Under the new coach’s guidance, Tottenham steered clear of the drop, and Gallagher began to feel his role expanding, even if he confessed in an emotional interview on the final day of the season that he still hadn’t fully showcased his abilities to the supporters. Now, with a fresh campaign looming, Gallagher says the moment has arrived to write the next chapter of his Tottenham story. "It’s time to kick on and show the fans 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; it’s just part of life. I’m grateful we got through it and I finished the season on a positive note. I hope this is only the beginning of my Spurs career." The tone of his comments feels markedly different from the uncertainty that lingered a few weeks ago, a shift Gallagher attributes largely to De Zerby’s influence. Gallagher explained that his confidence was the biggest factor: "For me it was mainly a confidence issue, plus a physical aspect that comes from playing more regularly.

I wasn’t used to that at the time. The manager gave me a boost in confidence and I started getting consistent minutes on the pitch.

A lot of credit goes to him, but it’s still early days for both of us." De Zerby’s reputation for demanding intensity is well‑known, and Gallagher admitted he felt a little intimidated during their first meeting. "He seemed a bit scary at first, but after a while you realise he’s actually a very nice person. You can’t mess around with him – you have to train hard, give 100 percent and do the right things," Gallagher said.

The Italian coach’s philosophy centres on belief and accountability. "He’s the kind of coach you want to succeed for. He shows a lot of faith in his players, instils confidence, and makes you want to give your best for him," Gallagher added. De Zerby often reminded the squad, "If you listen to me, stick with me and believe in me, we’ll be fine." That mantra proved crucial during the club’s relegation battle last season, when the manager’s self‑belief demanded full commitment from everyone.

De Zerby’s praise for Gallagher has been equally uplifting. While on a pre‑season trip to Sydney, the Spurs boss remarked that when Gallagher is at his peak, it feels as though Tottenham have an extra player on the field – a stark contrast to the months when Gallagher was fighting for minutes. Gallagher smiled at the compliment, saying, "It’s nice.

I always try to give my best whenever I’m on the pitch. I feel like I’m entering my prime years. I’ve already experienced several clubs and loved every one, but now I want a bigger role and to lead by example, both on and off the pitch." Tottenham have shown their commitment to De Zerby this summer, splashing close to £200 million on new signings, all with Premier League pedigree.

Early arrivals such as Sandro Tonali, Mateus Fernandes and Andy Robertson have already begun to forge chemistry, giving the manager a solid foundation to build upon. For De Zerby, nurturing relationships is as vital as assembling talent, and Gallagher appreciates the camaraderie that the squad enjoys.

"We have a great group of players, and the gaffer loves team bonding – dinner, drinks, a night out together. It helps us gel as a unit," he noted. That sense of unity was on display during a fiery pre‑season clash with Chelsea, a club that holds a special place in Gallagher’s heart as his former team.

A hard tackle on Dario Essugo saw Gallagher clutch his head in mock anguish before laughing it off. "The tackle looked worse than it was. I had no intention of hurting anyone," he said. De Zerby’s vision, however, is clear: dominate possession, control the tempo, and win every match.

"He wants us to dominate everything – to have the ball, dictate the game, and ultimately win. He believes we can outplay any side if we adopt the right approach and mindset," Gallagher explained. Looking ahead, Tottenham’s trajectory under De Zerby will be fascinating, especially after two consecutive 17th‑place finishes. The club’s renewed ambition, combined with a refreshed squad and a manager who emphasizes belief and tactical control, could signal a dramatic shift.

For Gallagher, the sentiment is one of optimism and readiness. "It feels perfect here," he concluded. "Perhaps now is truly my time at Spurs." As the new season approaches, all eyes will be on how Gallagher translates his renewed confidence into performances that match De Zerby’s high expectations. If the midfielder can maintain his momentum, he may not only solidify his place in the starting XI but also become a pivotal figure in Tottenham’s quest to climb the Premier League ladder.