Gallagher gives view on Chelsea future and tells Tuchel how he's "different"

Conor Gallagher has refused to rule out the possibility of going back out on loan as he returns to Chelsea from his season-long stint at Crystal Palace.

The 22-year-old enjoyed a successful loan spell at the Eagles last term, starting in all but four Premier League matches as they finished 12th, just three points off a top-half place. This was after Gallagher spent the entirety of the 2020/21 season at West Bromwich Albion, while he has also had loans at Charlton Athletic and Swansea City in the past.

However, Gallagher is now set to return to the Blues for pre-season in July as he hopes to break into the first-team and cement a regular spot in the side. Thomas Tuchel has promised to give the England international the chance to fight for his place after the pair had a meeting at the end of the season.

According to football.london, Gallagher is keen to stay at Stamford Bridge and Tuchel wants him to show why he should be starting week-in-week-out for the Blues. Although the youngster hopes to remain at Chelsea, he also would not turn down the opportunity to move back out on loan if he is not guaranteed regular minutes.

Speaking to BBC's Football Daily, Gallagher said: "I've not really had time (to think), to be honest. It's been a long season at Palace. I've only just finished really, then I've come here with England. That's all I'm thinking about for the next four matches here, and I want to do well. I've not really thought about it."

Gallagher will need to win over Tuchel - and has told him he is "different" because of his confidence and belief having progressed in each of his loans.

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He added: "I feel like if you look at my loans, I've done four loans now, and they've always progressed, and it's always been a new challenge. I always believe in myself, and I try to do my best on the pitch. I think confidence and belief is a part of that. I've got three older brothers who all played football.

"I feel like in their careers, they could've had more confidence and belief and could've played a bit higher. I've looked at that and thought I needed to be a bit different. It's very important that I've been confident, and that's helped me.

"(Have you done your loans now?) I don't know to be honest with you, the loans have been brilliant, and every team has been a brilliant experience. To me, all the new players, the staff and managers have helped me progress and develop as a player - I've loved it. But like I said, I'm not sure."