Mauricio Pochettino knows England duo’s feelings on him with Gareth Southgate now gone

The race to succeed Gareth Southgate is officially on after the England manager confirmed his departure on Tuesday. Former Premier League boss Mauricio Pochettino has emerged as a top candidate for the positio – and that looks like it would be much to the delight of Three Lions and Chelsea stars Cole Palmer and Conor Gallagher.

The Football Association announced that Southgate has stepped aside after ending his tenure with a runners-up finish at Euro 2024. And Argentinian maestro Pochettino has been named as one option on the shortlist for the now vacant role, alongside the likes of Lee Carsley and another former Blues boss, Graham Potter.

Pochettino’s potential appointment may be welcomed by many within the England camp, but particularly Palmer and Gallagher after each enjoyed their time under his guidance at Chelsea, reports The Mirror. His strategy in west London was focused on nurturing young talents and helped transform their fortunes at Stamford Bridge before his surprise departure this summer.

Upon learning about Pochettino’s exit from Stamford Bridge, Palmer expressed his gratitude towards the South American coach for “making his dreams come true”. Palmer joined Chelsea from Manchester City in 2023 and quickly saw his prospects improve in the capital.

“The fans don’t see it, you guys don’t see it, but the way the manager works us on the pitch, the things he does with us, it’s only going to get better,” he told Sky Sports last season. Pochettino eventually stepped aside after disagreeing on the team’s direction with club bosses, but it’s evident some would have preferred if he stayed.

In a heartfelt admission back in June, the England star expressed his regret saying farewell the manager who had shown unwavering faith in him. “He put his trust in me and we built a good relationship. Not just with him but with all his staff who were there. When he left I was gutted,” Palmer told The Telegraph.

“He is probably the main reason [I am in the England squad], because a different manager might not have given me that freedom and opportunity to do what I did at Chelsea.”

That sentiment is echoed by others who thrived under the guidance of the ex-Tottenham and Southampton chief. Since Pochettino’s exit from Chelsea was confirmed, the rumour mill has been abuzz with potential new roles, and Gallagher could stand to gain significantly if Pochettino steps into the England vacancy.

“Obviously there’s another year-and-a-half left of my contract, and I absolutely love playing with the manager,” said Gallagher following the Carabao Cup final defeat to Liverpool in February. Under Pochettino’s stewardship, Gallagher found the stability and regular first-team football he had been seeking at Chelsea, something that’s no longer guaranteed under new boss Enzo Maresca.

Pochettino displayed modesty deflecting that praise onto his coaching team. Despite this, it was clear that Gallagher’s gratitude extended towards Pochettino more so than anyone else.

England regular Reece James – who was not selected for England’s Euro 2024 squad following more injury misfortune – also seems to be in favour of Pochettino. Reflecting on their time together at Chelsea, James expressed gratitude for the single season they had.

“We had an amazing relationship from the moment we met,” said James. “I never played as much as I would have hoped under you, which I am sorry for but also something I couldn’t control. You believed in me and gave me a huge responsibility when many others doubted me.”