26 July 2023 , 04:30
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Mauricio Pochettino admitted signing Kylian Mbappe is out of Chelsea’s “reality” - but Connor Gallagher IS in his plans.
The Stamford Bridge boss has given his verdict on Paris Saint Germain’s sale of Mbappe, a player he managed in the French capital. PSG have accepted a £260m bid for the superstar from Al-Hilal, but his future remains unresolved.
Chelsea were reported to have made an inquiry about Mbappe’s situation, with his contract running out next season, and PSG desperate not to lose him on a free.
Pochettino said: “We are working on our reality, our reality is different. From my side, I have nothing to say, only to support them. I hope they find a solution for both sides.
“I think in our past we were at Paris Saint Germain and with Kylian and think I need to be conscious that I cannot talk. Everything you talk, is too much noise. It is a situation that is very delicate and one they need to fix in Paris with Kylian.
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“It is a club that I love, because I was a player, a captain and coach. With Kylian we create a very good relationship, I hope they can find the best solution for both sides.”
Chelsea have already sold 12 players with three more on their way and out of Pochettino’s plans. Midfielder Gallagher is attracting interest form five clubs including the Hammers, but Poch is short of numbers in central midfield.
Pochettino worked with Mbappe during his time as PSG manager (Icon Sport via Getty Images)On Gallagher, Pochettino ahead of the clash against Newcastle, said: “I think the players that are here on the tour are in our plans, Chelsea plans. We are working very hard to try to add more players in different areas and hope that is possible soon.
“Conor is in our plans, I was talking with him the first day I arrive. In football, things can happen we cannot manage. At the moment, I am happy with him and his performance, he has two years on his contract. Nothing to say.”
Conor Gallagher has been linked with a summer move away from Chelsea (Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC)Pochettino is seeking to return Chelsea to the elite in the Premier League and he says competition has never been more fierce - and there is no longer a “top four or top six.”
He said: “It is a big 20! The Premier League is strong and competitive. Yes, it has changed a lot. True in the past different teams were there. It is the most competitive in the world.
“Sometimes it is unfair to say top seven or six. Who do you put there? Chelsea was out. I think it is competitive and we need to stop talking about a top four or six or seven.”