Gallagher on the future: I am very happy at Atletico Madrid and my goal is to win titles with the team

In an interview with "AS" on November 17, Atletico Madrid midfielder Gallagher talked about the team's current status, his own future and other topics.

How to summarize Atletico Madrid’s performance this season?

- I think it's doing well so far. We didn't get off to the smooth start that everyone expected and were slow to get into the game in the first few games, but since then we've been performing well. Now we are in a good phase and hopefully this will continue. I think the team is still a work in progress, but we are improving and everyone is happy and enjoying the season.

Does Atletico Madrid have the strength to compete for all championships?

- Of course, this is Atletico’s goal and our goal all along: to win every title possible. We have confidence in ourselves and the squad to achieve this goal.

What changes have taken place to give Atletico Madrid a new look?

- I don't think there are too many changes, just the natural progression of the team. We started off a little slow, but now we're in a really good period. We go all out in every game to strive for three points. The whole team is very dedicated, which is very important. Both starters and bench players are very important, and this has been proven over the past month.

You know what the derby means to Atletico Madrid fans, what do you think of the 5-2 victory over Real Madrid?

- That game was awesome, probably our best performance of the season so far. And it was a victory against our biggest rivals, which shows our strength and potential. Of course, it was also a very special game for the fans and we know how much it means to them, so it was a really special day.

On a personal level, you participate in all games but rarely start. Are you happy with that, or do you wish there were more opportunities?

- No, I'm not satisfied. I don’t think any player will be satisfied with the lack of playing time, but I will continue to work hard to help the team every time I get the chance to play and hopefully get more starting opportunities.

There is a lot of discussion about your future, with the British media even stating that you may leave in January. Have you considered the possibility of leaving the team?

- I'm very happy here. My goal is to win titles with Atletico and hopefully play a bigger role in the team. As I said, I will continue to do my best to get more playing time and contribute to the team.

Do you think you have not fully demonstrated your football skills yet?

- Yes, I agree. Sometimes it is difficult to demonstrate your full capabilities in a limited time. But the most important thing for me is to do what’s best for the coach and the team, and that’s what I’m working towards now.

Atletico Madrid currently uses 4-4-2. Do you think this is not suitable for you?

- No, I think this formation suits me very well. Although my competitor Barrios is also very good, this formation is perfect for me and I hope to have more opportunities.

There are not many examples of English players succeeding in Spain. Do you think this is some kind of curse?

- No, I don’t think there is much difference between La Liga and the Premier League. They are both one of the best leagues in the world and you face the best players in the world. Therefore, the two leagues are very similar, and no matter which game is played, it will be a very difficult matchup. It’s not that English players will have problems when they play abroad.

Simone asked you to score goals and strengthened your offensive role in training. Do you think you can make more contributions to the team on the offensive end?

- I always hope to score more goals and provide more assists. That’s what I try to do every time I take the field. As a player, there is no more exciting feeling than scoring goals, so I always try to do that.

Do you feel like you have adapted to life in Spain and the Atletico Madrid dressing room?

——I have adapted to life here very well. My girlfriend and I absolutely love it here, it's a great city and we are very happy here.

Getting back into the England squad should be one of your goals

- yes, it's certainly one of mine. I spoke to Tuchel and he told me what I needed to do to get back into the England squad. It seems very difficult for me at the moment but I will continue to try my best to get more playing time and hopefully get back into the England squad.

Regarding Griezmann, he is a legend of the team, but his role is different now. Is he still a role model for you?

- Yes, Griezmann is a role model. He's still a very good player and a very good person and a great leader. He is still one of our best players and it is a privilege to have him and see him excel in training and games.