Chelsea midfielder Morgan Rogers says the club are determined to establish themselves among the Premier League’s leading contenders as they get set to open their season against Fulham.
The London rivals will meet at Craven Cottage on Monday, with the fixture also serving as Xabi Alonso’s first competitive match in charge of Chelsea.
Rogers, who arrived from Aston Villa, is one of several players looking to make an early impression under the new boss. Despite the changes around the squad, he believes Chelsea have enough quality to compete with the best teams in England.
The midfielder explained that expectations at Stamford Bridge remain high, with supporters demanding performances that match the club’s status. Chelsea, he added, are not entering the campaign simply to participate but with the intention of challenging near the top of the standings.
At the same time, Rogers accepts that the squad will need time to become fully accustomed to Alonso’s football philosophy. With a new coach and several new faces, he understands that developing a strong understanding on the pitch will not happen overnight.
However, he insists the team cannot afford to use that adjustment period as an excuse for a slow beginning.
Chelsea are among the Premier League clubs heading into the new season with managerial changes, making it difficult to predict how the competition will unfold.
Rogers believes that uncertainty will make the campaign particularly interesting, as teams are expected to bring different tactical ideas and approaches after the summer changes.
Away from the wider competition, the 23-year-old has been concentrating on settling into his new surroundings. He has been working on developing connections with his teammates while learning exactly what Alonso wants from him in his new role.
For Rogers, the key will be maintaining discipline and patience throughout the campaign. He recognises that Chelsea may face setbacks along the way, but believes a strong mentality can help the team respond and ultimately finish the season where they expect to be.
