RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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Conor Gallagher says it is "a lot more enjoyable" and a "fresh" feeling being a Tottenham player during pre-season.
The 26-year-old midfielder previously spoke about being played out of position, not being liked by former head coach Igor Tudor and losing confidence as Spurs narrowly avoided relegation to the Championship on the final day of the 2025-26 campaign.
However, a club-record £237m investment has been made on players and Roberto De Zerbi, appointed in March following interim boss Tudor's exit, is finally implementing his style of play on a pre-season tour of New Zealand and Australia.
When asked about how it feels playing for Spurs this summer, Gallagher replied: "It's a lot more enjoyable not being in the situation we were in last season.
"It's a fresh start, fresh players, fresh faces. A new way of playing and trying to get everyone on the same page to understand how we play and what the manager wants us to do.
"In pre-season, that's what it's all been about. Understanding the way we want to play so we're ready for the season."
Spurs have twice broken their transfer record bringing in midfielders this window - first signing £85m Matheus Fernandes from West Ham United , before spending £100m to bring in Sandro Tonali from Newcastle .
However, although Gallagher has played a more advanced role during pre-season, he was still asked about increased competition in his position.
"Well, to be honest, I'm happy to play anywhere the manager wants me to play," he continued.
"The number 10, or as a number eight in the double-pivot is fine. I enjoy playing anywhere in midfield. When you play for a club like Tottenham, if there's not competition for a starting XI spot, then something's wrong.
"All the new signings are great lads. It's only going to make us stronger. We went through a really tough season last season and we're determined and hungry to improve as a team."
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