Poch: It’s not goner Gallagher

BLUES BOSS REVEALS TALKS WITH STAR OVER FUTURE AT THE BRIDGE

MAURICIO POCHETTINO has held talks with Conor Gallagher over the Chelsea midfielder’s future.

Gallagher, 23, has 18 months left on his deal and wants to stay at Stamford Bridge – but Chelsea could yet end up cashing in as they look to strengthen their squad in January.

Blues boss Pochettino has made Gallagher a big part of his plans and clearly rates the England ace even if uncertainty remains, with Tottenham long-term admirers.

When asked whether a decision had been taken, Pochettino said: “No, no, no. We talked about many, many subjects because it’s normal. But it’s a very natural situation that, of course, we talk in a very natural way.

“If you want to ask me if I was talking with Conor about this situation, yes. Like all the players when some rumour happens, always it’s good to have a good conversation with the player, like Ian Maatsen, or different players like this, Andrey Santos.

“I think always it’s important for us, the coaches, to have very clear and very direct, honest conversations with the players. It’s healthy to have these type of relationships.

“He’s doing a fantastic job, he’s working well, he’s helping the club and us and team-mates a lot. We are happy with his performances.” Gallagher has even worn the armband on occasion this season and is loved by the fan-base because he has been at the club since he was eight, is a boyhood fan and has made it plain he wants to stay.

The midfielder knows all about Chelsea’s history as perennial winners of cup competitions and Pochettino has been brought in to win silverware.

Pochettino admitted that it is up to the current generation to buy into Chelsea’s winning mentality and build foundations for long-term success, starting with tonight’s Carabao Cup semi-final with Middlesbrough as a path to Wembley and glory.

Pochettino admitted: “It’s a great opportunity for us, this semi-final, not only for the young players, but also for the older group of players.

“The club mentality is about winning, we have a winning mentality at Chelsea and we can’t talk in any different way.

“But the group of today, the staff, the coaches, the players, we need to build this and match the club in terms of mentality which the club has.

“This is a great opportunity to step up.

“It’s about doing well and not just performing in one game but every game and in every single competition.”