England midfielder Conor Gallagher said his first few months at Tottenham Hotspur were difficult due to a lack of managerial support.
The admission provides insight into the internal challenges faced by the player after leaving Atletico Madrid to return to London. His early struggles highlight the volatility of player integration during mid-season transitions.
Gallagher joined the club in January [1]. He said the "old manager wasn’t having me" [2]. This perceived lack of favor from the coaching staff affected his early form, and overall adaptation to the squad [1].
Reports on the nature of his arrival vary. Some sources state he signed for the club for £35 million [2], while others describe the move as a loan from Atletico Madrid [3].
Despite the early friction, the team has seen a shift in momentum under the leadership of Roberto De Zerbi. Tottenham earned seven points in their first three games under De Zerbi's tenure [4].
Gallagher said the period since joining from Atletico Madrid had been a tough time at Spurs [3]. The midfielder's experience underscores the impact that a manager's tactical preference and personal rapport can have on a high-profile signing's immediate success.
“"Old manager wasn’t having me"”
Gallagher's comments reveal a disconnect between the player and the previous management, suggesting that his initial lack of impact was a result of tactical or interpersonal friction rather than a lack of ability. The subsequent positive results under Roberto De Zerbi indicate a potential turning point for both the player's role and the club's trajectory.
