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Morgan Rogers Shares Unai Emery’s Key Coaching Demand at Aston Villa

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Since arriving at Aston Villa, Morgan Rogers has quickly learned that working under Unai Emery is no walk in the park. The Spanish tactician is known for his meticulous attention to detail and unrelenting demands on the pitch.

According to Rogers, Emery is “demanding” in the best possible way constantly pushing his players to their limits, ensuring that every tactical instruction is followed to perfection.

As a manager who has won four Europa League titles and guided teams to top-tier success, Emery is not one to let complacency creep into his squad. He tailors his game plans based on the opposition’s strengths and weaknesses, making sure his players always have a structured approach.

Rogers, who was once hailed by Pep Guardiola as an “exceptional player,” has been thriving under Emery’s guidance. This season, he has racked up an impressive 10 goals and five assists across all competitions, proving that he’s heading in the right direction. However, he’s fully aware that he’s far from a finished product, and his best bet for continued growth is to keep listening to his manager’s wisdom.

The Unusual Demand That Keeps Rogers on His Toes

Rogers recently revealed an interesting aspect of Emery’s coaching style, one that might seem a little surprising. Speaking to Sky Sports, the young midfielder explained that while Emery is big on structure, he doesn’t want his creative players to play it safe. Instead, he actively encourages them to take risks in dangerous areas even if they fail a few times.

“Yeah, it can be [difficult], but at the same time, the manager probably wants me to do more than I do,” Rogers admitted. “And that’s probably a bit bizarre for me to say because if I’ve done it three times a game and I’ve lost it three times in a row, and then the next time I pass it, he’ll absolutely hammer me for not doing it again.”

That’s right while most managers might scold a player for losing possession repeatedly, Emery expects his creative talents to keep trying, no matter what. For Rogers, this has been a revelation, as it allows him to play to his strengths rather than conforming to a rigid, one-size-fits-all tactical approach.

“He wants me to play to my strengths,” Rogers added. “If another player’s strengths are different from mine, I don’t have to play like them. That’s what makes this manager so good—he adapts to who’s playing and lets us shine in our own way.”

This is precisely why Rogers has been so effective this season. Unlike some managers who try to mold players into a set system, Emery allows them to express themselves while maintaining discipline. This balance between structure and creativity is what sets him apart as an elite coach.

A Change of Philosophy? Unai Emery’s Evolution

Interestingly, this approach seems to mark a shift in Emery’s coaching philosophy. Back in 2019, former Arsenal midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan criticized the Spaniard for being too rigid, saying that his tactical demands restricted his ability to play freely.

“He paid more attention to tactics, so my role changed,” Mkhitaryan told FourFourTwo at the time. “I was starting as a winger but had to build play with the defensive midfielder. It’s why I couldn’t contribute as many goals or assists.”

“I like to play more freely and move wherever there’s space, but you have to do the job that the manager asks.”

Perhaps Emery took this criticism to heart and refined his approach. Rather than stifling attacking talents like Rogers, he now encourages them to embrace their individual qualities. As a result, the 22-year-old has flourished, drawing comparisons to Jude Bellingham for his fearless approach and dynamic playing style.

With the season still unfolding, it’s clear that Rogers has a bright future under Emery’s guidance. The freedom to express himself while operating within a well-structured system could be the key to unlocking his full potential. And if he continues to heed his manager’s instructions, Aston Villa fans can expect even greater things from their rising star.

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Barcelona director sets sights on €30 million-rated goalkeeper as long-term solution report

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Barcelona director sets sights on €30 million-rated goalkeeper as long-term solution report

Barcelona is set to shake up its goalkeeping department this summer as part of a broader strategy to build for the future.

With several moving pieces in the squad, the Catalan club is already scouting potential reinforcements, and a new name has emerged as a priority target.

Szczesny Likely to Stay, Peña on the Move

Under Hansi Flick’s management, Wojciech Szczesny has established himself as a key figure between the posts.

As a result, Barcelona is expected to offer the Polish shot-stopper a one-year contract extension to keep him at the club beyond this season.

However, this decision could push Iñaki Peña toward an exit. The young goalkeeper, eager for more playing time, is drawing interest from clubs in Turkey, England, and Spain.

If Szczesny remains the preferred backup option, Peña is likely to seek a new challenge elsewhere.

Uncertainty Surrounding Ter Stegen

Meanwhile, Marc-André ter Stegen continues his recovery from injury, but there are concerns about how he will perform once he returns.

His prolonged absence, combined with a challenging personal period, raises questions about whether he will regain his previous form. This uncertainty has led Barcelona to explore a long-term solution in the goalkeeping department.

Lucas Chevalier on Barcelona’s Radar

Sporting director Deco has identified Lucas Chevalier of Lille as a prime target, according to Fichajes.

The 23-year-old Frenchman is regarded as one of the most promising goalkeepers in Europe, and his performances in Ligue 1 have not gone unnoticed.

Several top clubs, including Real Madrid, are monitoring Chevalier as a potential successor to Thibaut Courtois. However, Barcelona is keen to move swiftly and has already initiated talks with the goalkeeper’s representatives to gain an advantage in the race for his signature.

Chevalier is currently under contract with Lille until 2027, and his market value is estimated at €30 million. Barcelona hopes to negotiate a more favorable deal to secure his services.

Barcelona’s Long-Term Goalkeeping Plan

With uncertainty surrounding ter Stegen’s long-term future and Peña likely to leave, Barcelona is prioritizing the acquisition of a reliable young goalkeeper.

Chevalier fits the profile perfectly, offering both immediate quality and long-term potential.

The coming months will determine whether Barcelona can strike a deal with Lille and fend off competition from other European giants. But one thing is clear the club is planning ahead to ensure stability in a crucial position for years to come.

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Real Madrid: Kylian Mbappe breaks another goalscoring record

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Real Madrid: Kylian Mbappe breaks another goalscoring record

When Kylian Mbappe finally joined Real Madrid after years of speculation, fans knew they were getting one of the best forwards in the world.

Alongside Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo, he has formed an electrifying attack that often results in goal-scoring spectacles.

However, Mbappe’s early days in Madrid weren’t smooth sailing. He struggled to find his rhythm, often overthinking his decisions and failing to make a significant impact.

Critics were quick to brand him a flop, questioning whether he could ever live up to expectations. But as time passed, things began to fall into place, and the Mbappe of old started to reemerge.

A Record-Breaker Even in Tough Times

Despite the criticism, Mbappe has continued to make history. According to Stats Foot, he recently became the first French player to score at least 29 goals in his debut season at a club in one of Europe’s top four leagues.

His record-breaking goal came against Rayo Vallecano, and with months still left in the season, that tally is bound to grow.

To put this achievement into perspective, this list includes legends like Karim Benzema when he first arrived at Real Madrid and Thierry Henry during his early Arsenal days.

Many players need time to adjust to a new club, but even while adapting, Mbappe has already made his mark in the record books.

The skepticism surrounding his performances may have been warranted in the beginning, but even as he found his footing, critics continued to doubt him. Now, with 29 goals and counting, he is proving them wrong.

His story is far from over, and if history has shown us anything, it’s that Kylian Mbappe thrives under pressure.

For those still doubting, just keep watching. Because every criticism, every doubt, only fuels the fire of a player destined to be one of football’s greatest heartbreakers.

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Bayern Munich Targeting Europe’s Hottest Strikers in Mega Transfer Plan

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Bayern Munich Targeting Europe’s Hottest Strikers in Mega Transfer Plan

With recent reports suggesting that Harry Kane’s time at Bayern Munich might be limited, the club is already exploring options for a long-term replacement.

Despite Kane’s contract running until the 2026/27 season, a release clause has fueled speculation that the English striker could return to the Premier League as early as the summer of 2026 assuming he secures at least one trophy with Bayern over the next two seasons.

Given Kane’s central role in Bayern’s attacking setup, the club is carefully considering how to prepare for life without him.

According to Sport Bild’s Christian Falk, Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyökeres and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Šeško are among the club’s top targets to fill the void when the time comes.

The challenge, however, lies in Bayern’s financial situation. With limited funds available for transfers, the club may need to offload players before making a serious move for a new striker.

One potential avenue is selling young forward Mathys Tel, with Tottenham reportedly interested in a deal worth €60 million.

If that move materializes, Bayern could then pursue either Gyökeres or Šeško, with the latter valued at around €70 million.

One possible strategy Bayern might consider is signing a new striker while keeping Kane for one more season, allowing his successor to learn under his guidance before taking over as the main man.

However, convincing established starters like Gyökeres or Šeško to accept a secondary role initially could be a challenge.

A transfer followed by a loan move could also be an option, depending on how the situation develops.

This isn’t the first time Bayern has been linked with these two names. Both Gyökeres and Šeško were on the club’s radar in January as potential emergency replacements in case Kane’s release clause was triggered.

While no definitive decision has been made, Bayern Munich appears to be laying the groundwork for a future without Kane whether that transition happens in 2026 or even sooner.

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