Timing can be the difference between triumph and disappointment in a footballer's career, and for Conor Gallagher the clock has not always been kind. The midfielder arrived at Tottenham Hotspur in January, having been signed from Atlético Madrid for a reported £35 million. Within weeks the club’s hierarchy shifted dramatically – Thomas Frank was dismissed and replaced by Igor Tudor, a manager who, by Gallagher’s own admission, "wasn't having me" as a regular option while the team fought a battle to avoid relegation. Those early months were a low point for both player and club, with the Spurs side teetering near the bottom of the Premier League table and Gallagher struggling to find a clear role.
The arrival of Roberto De Zerbi in March marked a turning point. Under his guidance Tottenham secured their Premier League status, and Gallagher began to feel his contribution was finally being recognised.
In an emotional interview on the final day of the season, he confessed that he had not yet been able to showcase his full abilities to the fans, but he insisted that the new era offered a fresh start. "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 to help the club reach the level it deserves." Gallagher’s optimism was palpable. He spoke of the inevitable challenges every professional faces, describing them as "just life" and expressing relief that the club had emerged from a difficult period with a positive finish to the campaign.
He added, "Hopefully this is only the start of my Spurs career," hinting at a long‑term vision for himself at the North London stadium. A few weeks before the new season, Gallagher appeared noticeably more relaxed, enjoying the sunshine and the renewed sense of purpose that De Zerbi has fostered. The Italian coach, who took over in March, has been credited with restoring Gallagher’s confidence. "For me it was mainly a confidence issue, and a little bit of a physical one that comes from playing more games," Gallagher explained.
"I wasn’t used to that at the time. The manager gave me a bit of my confidence back and I started getting more consistent minutes on the pitch." De Zerbi’s reputation for demanding intensity is well‑known, and Gallagher admitted that their first meeting was intimidating. "He was a bit scary the first time we met, but after a while that feeling faded," the midfielder said. "He’s actually a very nice man, but you can’t mess around.
You have to train hard, give 100 percent, and do the right things." According to Gallagher, De Zerbi is the kind of manager who inspires belief in his squad. "He shows a lot of faith in his players and instils confidence. He makes you want to give your best for him and work as hard as you can," Gallagher noted. The coach’s mantra, as recalled by the midfielder, was simple: "If you listen to me, stick with me and believe in me, we’ll be fine." That message resonated during a season when the club was fighting for survival.
De Zerbi’s enthusiasm for Gallagher has been evident in public statements. During 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 earlier when the midfielder 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 a lot of clubs and loved every one, and now I want a bigger role and to lead by example, both on and off the field." Tottenham have shown their commitment to De Zerbi’s project with a significant summer spending spree, nearly £200 million on players with Premier League experience.
Early signings such as Sandro Tonali, Mateus Fernandes and Andy Robertson have been given time to develop chemistry, while the manager places equal emphasis on building relationships as he does on tactics. Gallagher highlighted the importance of team bonding, recalling a recent dinner and drinks outing that helped cement the squad’s unity.
The manager’s vision was on display in a pre‑season friendly against Chelsea, a historic rival and Gallagher’s former club. A particularly aggressive tackle on Dario Essugo saw Gallagher briefly clutch his head and laugh, later downplaying the incident: "That tackle wasn’t as bad as it looked.
I had no intention of hurting anyone." De Zerbi’s philosophy centres on domination and possession. "He wants us to control the ball, dominate every game and, of course, win," Gallagher explained. "He believes we can outplay any opponent if we adopt the right approach and show the right mentality." With Tottenham having finished 17th in each of the last two seasons, the upcoming campaign promises to be a fascinating test of De Zerbi’s ideas and Gallagher’s development. The midfielder believes the environment feels perfect for his growth.
"It feels perfect here," he concluded, hinting that this could indeed be the moment he finally fulfills his potential at Spurs.