Morgan Rogers has revealed that Xabi Alonsos passing in training has already left a strong impression on him, joking that Chelseas 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 Alonsos 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.Hes still got it now, Rogers told ESPN Brazil. There are certain sessions where hell ping a ball and youll be like he could probably still play in the Prem now.Hes got bags of ability, bags of quality.Alonsos 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.Hes played the game, hes played in these moments, in the big games, in the pressure situations, won what hes won as a player.You have that utmost respect for him as a coach and as a manager.Table of ContentsRogers ready to thrive in West LondonWhere to watch Fulham vs Chelsea: TV channel, live online streamsRogers ready to thrive in West LondonRogers is also encouraged by what Alonso has told him about his role in the Chelsea side.The forward believes the new managers 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 Alonsos approach can give him the confidence to take risks and express himself rather than being restricted by a rigid tactical system.Some things you cant explain, what youve seen in a game or how youve been, but if youve been given that confidence from the manager to play or to try and to do those things, I think thats 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.Im just excited and cant 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 streamsRogers is set to make his debut in Alonsos 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.Via Now TV, Sky Sports costs �14.99 for a day membership, �27.99 a month for a 12-month membership or �34.99 a month with no contract. Topics Chelsea F.C. Morgan Rogers Add us as a preferred source on Google If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read Fulham v Chelsea: Preview, expected line-ups, stats and where to watch Mitch Fretton 23rd August, 2026 Chelsea confirm Stamford Bridge to host Shakhtars Champions League games Nicholas McGee 21st August, 2026 Fantasy Premier League 2026/27: Why Im going without Erling Haaland: My Gameweek 1 FPL team reveal Blake Hurst 21st August, 2026 Fantasy Premier League 2026/27: Five forwards to target ahead of Gameweek 1 including a 5%-owned gem Blake Hurst 21st August, 2026 Fantasy Premier League 2026/27: Manchester quartet headline five midfielders to target for Gameweek 1 Blake Hurst 21st August, 2026 Fantasy Premier League 2026/27: Five defenders you need for Gameweek 1 including a 1.8%-owned differential Blake Hurst 21st August, 2026
