- Morgan Rogers has described his relationship with Unai Emery as “really close” but admits it can be difficult at times
- He joined Aston Villa in January 2025 from Middlesbrough for a total fee of £15 million
- The England star has rapidly developed into one of the most sought out assets in the world
Morgan Rogers has labelled his relationship with Unai Emery as “really close,” with the pair sharing a drive for absolute perfection and consistent improvement. However, he admitted it can be “difficult” at times when Emery uses him as an example in front of the rest of the squad.
The meteoric rise of Rogers has been one of the standout stories of Villa’s recent success under Unai Emery. Arriving as a promising young talent from Middlesbrough in early 2024, Rogers rapidly transitioned from an EFL prospect into a vital component of a team competing at Europe’s elite level.
His staggering individual progression is a direct testament to Emery’s renowned coaching methods. The meticulous Spaniard demands tactical perfection while dedicating immense personal time to refining the raw attributes of his players.
In an interview with The Athletic, Rogers explains the relationship between himself and Emery, and how demanding he is of him to improve his overall game.
Improve goal output
At the beginning of the season, Villa struggled to score goals. Eventually, they were able to find the back of the net to win games, but mainly through long-range shots. In fact, the Villans scored the most goals from outside the box this season in the Premier League with 15.
The 23-year-old explained Emery’s demand for him to become more of a goal threat inside the box through better positioning, rather than a reliance on long-range efforts.
“I have to understand and be realistic that those long-range goals are not going to happen all the time,” Rogers says, “I like to score easier goals, and that’s something I need to learn to do more of.
“I need to get in the box more and be instinctive. That’s where most of the goals you will get as an attacker come from, but it is nice when those long-rangers do go in. And there was a period in the season when they were all flying in.
“The manager’s heavy on me getting into the area, the six-yard box, and arriving at the right time. I look at Ollie (Watkins) because he’s just naturally good at it.
“You might not always score. It might not always go in. But if you keep arriving, the probability is going to be on your side.”
Relationship with Emery
The relentless push for improvement is driven by a unique, high-pressure working relationship between Rogers and Emery. The 54-year-old is notorious for challenging his players in front of the whole squad to maintain their level and standards.
Rogers emphasises that this demanding atmosphere is built entirely on a foundation of mutual trust and shared ambition.
“We have a really close relationship. It’s difficult in that he always wants to push and challenge me on the pitch and in front of the players, but he wants the best for me. He wants me to learn to adapt, to be the best version of myself, and that’s all he cares about.
“His drive to be the best version of himself comes across onto us, and we always have to show why we deserve to be where we are and to keep pushing.
“As long as you’re on the same page and trying to listen and develop, he’ll put his trust and his time into you and will give back what you give to him. It’s a very good working relationship, even if some days are harder than others.”
ReadAstonVilla verdict
Rogers’ rapid evolution from a raw talent into an elite attacker highlights the transformative impact of Emery’s management style at Villa. He can be used as a blueprint for young players to move to Villa Park when the club comes in for them.
The intense, often demanding environment at Bodymoor Heath works because it is reciprocated by both the players and coaching staff. Villa have created a culture and environment that has propelled them into the highest level of both domestic and European football.
Whilst players come and go, with Rogers especially attracting interest, for as long as Emery is at the helm, Villa has exactly what they need to continue their growth and build a sustainable long-term future.
