Conor Gallagher Ready for Electrifying Madrid Derby Debut
English midfielder Conor Gallagher is brimming with excitement ahead of his first-ever Madrid derby, where his new club, Atlético, will face off against arch-rivals Real Madrid on Sunday. The 24-year-old, who joined Atlético from Chelsea this summer, has already made a significant impact, scoring two goals in five LaLiga appearances and earning himself a spot in the hearts of Atlético fans.
As both teams head into the highly anticipated match unbeaten, Gallagher expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “I’m really enjoying my football right now. It’s going to be a really special game… I feel very comfortable, very confident, I feel very settled and at home already.”
Gallagher praised the electric atmosphere at Atlético’s Metropolitano stadium, saying it surpasses what he experienced in the Premier League. “The atmosphere at our stadium is so good… I’d say it’s louder in Spain. Of course, it’s too soon to say, but the crowd’s just so loud. When the ref makes a mistake, when the whole stadium whistles, it’s so loud.”
Atlético’s dramatic 1-0 win over Celta Vigo on Thursday, courtesy of a late goal from Julián Álvarez, has set the tone for the derby. Gallagher had high praise for his new teammate, describing him as “a very cool guy, calm and relaxed… He’s achieved so much in football already. And most importantly, he’s a top guy.”
Real Madrid, meanwhile, will be without star player Kylian Mbappé, who sustained a thigh injury on Tuesday. While acknowledging the French forward’s absence, Gallagher emphasized that Real Madrid remains a formidable opponent. “[Real] are a top team, one of the best in the whole world… We know how good they are, they have many threats, and we’ll prepare as much as we can to go at their weaknesses.”
Gallagher also expressed his admiration for Atlético coach Diego Simeone, despite the language barrier. “It’s brilliant. He’s an amazing manager… For me to work under him is a real honour… Whatever he wants me to do, I’ll do it.”
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