Sports
Chelsea's Alonso says Palmer–Rogers friendship is accelerating their on-pitch partnership
September 11, 2026 at 05:59 PM
Coverage
2 reports · 1 in Arabic, 1 in English · over 9 hours
Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso said the friendship between Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers is speeding up their on-pitch bond, ahead of hosting Hull City.
- Alonso said the pair's long-standing relationship, dating from England youth sides and Manchester City's academy, is helping their partnership on the pitch.
- Rogers, signed from Aston Villa in a club-record £117 million ($152 million) deal, has scored two goals and made four assists in five matches.
- Chelsea beat Leeds 6-3 in the EFL Cup midweek after trailing 2-0, with Palmer scoring twice, including a penalty.
- Hull coach Serhiy Yurovich joked the way to stop Chelsea was to "kick them"; Alonso said Chelsea will show Hull the same respect as Arsenal.