Chelsea: Tuchel had ‘big fear’ over £30k-a-week star at Stamford Bridge

Former Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel had a ‘big fear’ ahead the current campaign getting underway that he would need to replace Conor Gallagher, according to journalist Dean Jones.

The 22-year-old enjoyed an outstanding loan spell at Crystal Palace last term but has found life far more challenging upon his return to Stamford Bridge this time around.

Gallagher showcased his top-class potential with Palace in 2021/22, registering eight goals and five assists in 39 appearances from his central midfield position.

And the England international’s impressive form led to Tuchel, who was relieved of his duties in midweek, claiming during pre-season that he can be a ‘big asset’ for Chelsea.

However, Gallagher has struggled to find his best form for the Blues having been substituted around the hour mark against Leeds United when making his first start for the club in a 3-0 defeat.

Things then went from bad to worse for the box-to-box dynamo when he was sent off against Leicester City after picking up two yellow cards in the space of six minutes.

Gallagher was then restored to the starting lineup last time out for the visit of West Ham United but last just 60 minutes once again before being replaced by Armando Broja.

Jones has disclosed that Tuchel was a little bit sceptical over Gallagher ahead of this season and that the engine room operator must now show his manager that he ‘wasn’t wrong to put faith in him’.

In an interview with GiveMeSport, he said: “His big fear was that he’s not quite up to it and that he needed to replace him in the squad.

“Now, Gallagher’s job is to prove to him that it wasn’t wrong to put faith in him, so that’s what he has to do now.”

Gallagher undoubtedly has failed to make the impact on proceedings that