Stuart Pearce feels Conor Gallagher shouldn’t be Chelsea’s captain
Former Manchester City manager Stuart Pearce was surprised when Conor Gallagher was given the captain armband after Reece James was replaced due to injury against Everton.
With James on the sidelines for most of the season and Ben Chilwell also picking up an injury, Gallagher inherited the captain’s armband and has featured in most of the matches for Chelsea.
The England international was linked with an exit during the summer window but resisted leaving the club and has turned himself into a monumental player under Pochettino.
Chelsea wanted to sell the 23-year-old to comply with the Financial Fair Play rule. Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United were both linked with the midfielder.
During a 2-0 defeat to Everton, Gallagher was given the captain’s armband after Reece James was replaced in the 27th minute of the match. This didn’t please Stuart, as he felt the decision was premature, (h/t Football.London) and told TalkSports:
“I have nothing against him, and I think he has a bright future, but Conor Gallagher. When I see Chelsea, who have ambitions to win the league, being led out and captained by Gallagher, I’m thinking to myself, This is Chelsea who had a captain like John Terry’’.
After graduating from Chelsea Academy, John Terry wore the captain’s armband for the first time before turning 21 and never looked back. He was named the captain of Chelsea for his influence both on and off the pitch. Gallagher, who is 23 years old, can serve as captain of the Blues, but it mostly depends on his influence in the dressing room and on the pitch. As a Cobham graduate, he has refined under Pochettino, something that supporters and pundits alike ought to take note of.
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Given James’ recent injuries, Gallagher may wear the captain’s armband because the Argentine boss believes the 23-year-old warrants it. Gallagher is still developing and will surely get better with the opportunities. However, if James continues to be sidelined, then Pochettino will decide on Chelsea’s permanent captain.