Morgan Rogers has revealed that Xabi Alonso’s death in training has already left a strong impression on him, joking that the new Chelsea boss can still hold his own in the Premier League.
Rogers joined Chelsea From Aston Villa for a British record fee of £117m in July, Alonso’s arrival played an important role in his decision to move to Stamford Bridge.
The England international quickly saw what his new coach could do with the football at his feet.
“He still has it now,” Rogers said. ESPN Brazil. “There are certain sessions where he’ll play the ball and it’ll be like… maybe he could still play in the Prem now.
“He has bags of ability, bags of quality.”
Alonso’s football career included spells at Liverpool, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, as well as 114 appearances for the Spain national team, and Rogers believes the experience helped him gain the respect of the Chelsea dressing room.
The 44-year-old won the Champions League twice as a player and also lifted league titles in Spain and Germany before moving into coaching.
“I think that helps you as a manager as well, the respect element of it,” Rogers said.
“He played the game, he played in these moments, in the big games, in pressure situations, and he won what he won as a player.
“You have such great respect for him as a coach and as a manager.”
Rogers is poised to thrive in west London
Rogers was also encouraged by what Alonso told him about his role in the Chelsea team.
The striker believes the new manager’s desire to give attacking players freedom could allow him to play in the same instinctive style that brought him success at Villa.
“As an attacking player, it allows freedom, it allows rotation, it allows you to play without restrictions and be like me, and that’s the way I want to play and the way I see the game,” Rogers added.
For Rogers, that freedom was a major factor in his decision to join Chelsea.
He believes Alonso’s approach can give him the confidence to take risks and express himself rather than being restricted to a strict tactical system.
“Some things you can’t explain, what you saw in the game or how you were, but if I get that confidence from the coach to play or try to do those things, I think that’s where I can be at my best,” he said.
“Those were the conversations I had with him where I was really excited and really looking forward to it and seeing myself being able to play on his team, which was the most important thing to me.
“I’m so excited and I can’t wait to see how it develops and how I can be the best version of myself.”
Where to watch the Fulham-Chelsea match: TV channel, live stream online
Rogers is scheduled to make his debut in Alonso’s first match as a Premier League coach on Monday at 20:00 GMT (15:00 ET/12:00 PT), when Chelsea visit Fulham.
Live coverage is available in the UK on Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Ultra.
via Now TVSky Sports costs £14.99 for a daily membership, £27.99 per month for a 12-month membership or £34.99 per month without a contract.
