Pochettino claims Gallagher's English ability helped him win Blues captaincy

Conor Gallagher's ability to speak English has been a factor in him climbing up the Chelsea captaincy ladder, Mauricio Pochettino has explained.

Gallagher, who could have been sold in the summer, has led Chelsea out against AFC Wimbledon and Bournemouth this season in the absence of captain Reece James and his deputy Ben Chilwell.

But on two occasions earlier this season when Chilwell has been substituted he has handed the armband to Thiago Silva who, rather than keep it, has passed it on to January signing Enzo Fernandez, even though Gallagher was also on the field at the time.

Pochettino feels his academy background means 'it is perfect for him [Gallagher] to represent the team' and added: 'Thiago is an experienced player that doesn't need the armband and then I think it's important to build something for the future. Not only the present but the future. He is there and the captain is not only to put the armband on your arm.

'To clarify, I think maybe it was Thiago give it to Enzo but Enzo is still struggling with his English. If we need to communicate with the referee and everything I think Conor can perfectly do the job and for me I prefer Conor than Enzo because I think Conor can speak normally, English.

'I think Enzo is still not ready to be a captain. It is not only because of character or personality or profile. It's about you need to communicate with the people and if you don't manage still the language properly you cannot be captain no? I don't know. Maybe I'm wrong but it's my opinion.'

Meanwhile Pochettino also revealed he has spoken to Nicolas Jackson, during a meeting yesterday that also included Fernandez, about getting 'cheap' bookings after seeing him cautioned four times for dissent.

Pochettino said: 'I