Stuart Pearce has told Chelsea they’re putting too much pressure on one player in the Chelsea dressing room right now.
He’s argued that Conor Gallagher is being put in an uncomfortable situation this season.
Blues head coach Mauricio Pochettino is working with a very inexperienced group at Stamford Bridge, so it’s been up to some young players to step up as leaders.
Reece James was appointed club captain, while Ben Chilwell is the vice-captain. Unfortunately, both full-backs have had respective injury problems for much of this campaign already.
That has led to Gallagher wearing the captain’s armband for large spells of the season already. The 23-year-old midfielder is only in his second season with Chelsea’s first team, but he’s got great roots with the club after coming through the academy ranks.
Stuart Pearce’s concerns for Chelsea midfielder
TalkSPORT pundit Pearce has explained why he thinks Chelsea are piling too much pressure on Gallagher already.
“When I look – and I’ve got nothing against him because I love the kid and I think he’s got a bright future Conor Gallagher,” Pearce told talkSPORT.
“But when I see Chelsea Football Club, who have got perceptions on winning the league, being led out, captained by Conor Gallagher.
“I’m thinking to myself, ‘This is Chelsea Football Club that’s had a captain like John Terry, that’s got the stature of John Terry’.
“Conor might be a fantastic captain in time to come.
“But for him to lead Chelsea out at this moment in time, it’s too soon.”
Pressure on Conor Gallagher
We agree that Gallagher’s been a go-to player in the opening months of Chelsea’s season, and he’s one of the few in the squad that can keep their head held high after some decent performances.
Some may argue that the likes of Raheem Sterling or Thiago Silva would be more obvious candidates as captain. There’s clearly a focus from Pochettino around Chelsea’s talented English youngsters, though. It’s why 20-year-old Levi Colwill captained the side last week against Manchester United when others were missing.
The Daily Mail has claimed this week that some figures are arguing that it makes financial sense to cash in and sell Gallagher in the January transfer window next month. With 18 months left on his deal and no agreement in sight, some believe a sale makes sense.
However, we’d be very surprised if Pochettino want to lose a player that’s been so influential under him.
We’d love there to be a really honest conversation between the manager and recruitment team regarding Gallagher’s future. Our feeling is that a mid-season sale would be a real disaster.
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