Morgan Rogers has revealed that Xabi Alonso’s passing in training has already left a strong impression on him, joking that Chelsea’s new manager could still hold his own in the Premier League.
Rogers joined Chelsea from Aston Villa for a British-record £117m fee in July, with Alonso’s arrival playing an important role in his decision to move to Stamford Bridge.
The England international has quickly seen what his new manager can still do with a football at his feet.
“He’s still got it now,” Rogers told ESPN Brazil. “There are certain sessions where he’ll ping a ball and you’ll be like… he could probably still play in the Prem now.
“He’s got bags of ability, bags of quality.”
Alonso’s playing career included spells at Liverpool, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, as well as 114 appearances for Spain, and Rogers believes that experience has helped him command 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 management.
“I think that helps you as a manager as well, the respect element of it,” Rogers said.
“He’s played the game, he’s played in these moments, in the big games, in the pressure situations, won what he’s won as a player.
“You have that utmost respect for him as a coach and as a manager.”
Rogers ready to thrive in West London
Rogers is also encouraged by what Alonso has told him about his role in the Chelsea side.
The forward believes the new manager’s willingness to give attacking players freedom could allow him to play with the same instinctive style that brought him success at Villa.
“As an attacking player, he allows freedom and he allows rotations and allows you to play off the cuff and to be me, which is 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 by a rigid tactical system.
“Some things you can’t explain, what you’ve seen in a game or how you’ve been, but if you’ve been given that confidence from the manager to play or to try and 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 looked forward to and really saw myself being able to play in his team, which is the most important thing for me.
“I’m just excited and can’t wait to see how it unfolds and how I can be the best version of myself.”
Where to watch Fulham vs Chelsea: TV channel, live online streams
Rogers is set to make his debut in Alonso’s first game as a Premier League boss on Monday at 20:00 BST (15:00 ET / 12:00 PT), when Chelsea visit Fulham.
Live live coverage in the UK is on Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Ultra.
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