Jamie Gittens insists Chelsea’s decision to sign Morgan Rogers has only strengthened the club’s ambitions rather than creating concerns over competition for places.
Rogers’ arrival from Aston Villa in a record-breaking £117 million deal for an English player means the Blues have added another top-quality option on the left wing.
But Gittens believes the transfer reflects Chelsea’s determination to compete for the biggest trophies once again.
According to the 21-year-old, the squad is focused on challenging for every competition available, including the Premier League and FA Cup, and attracting elite players is part of building a title-winning team.
Injury Setback Has Only Increased His Determination
Gittens’ first campaign at Stamford Bridge never unfolded as planned after a hamstring injury prematurely ended his season in January, shortly after his £52 million move from Borussia Dortmund.
Now back in training, the winger says he is close to full fitness and feels far more confident after months of rehabilitation.
Although he estimates he is not yet completely back to his best, he believes the difficult period is behind him.
Throughout the summer, Gittens followed an intensive individual training program in Portugal and Marbella, working daily to regain his sharpness after suffering the first serious muscle injury of his career.
Early Goals Boost Confidence Ahead of New Campaign
The signs of progress have already appeared on the pitch.
Gittens recently found the net in Chelsea’s behind-closed-doors friendly victories over Crawley and Bromley at the club’s Cobham training base, giving him additional belief as preparations continue for the new season.
Having missed much of last year, he is eager to prove himself and establish a regular place in the squad.
Personal Targets Remain a Private Motivation
While Gittens has mapped out his objectives for the upcoming campaign, he is keeping them to himself.
The winger revealed he has written his goals on paper at home but chose not to disclose them publicly.
Instead, he emphasized his desire to show supporters exactly what he is capable of after only offering brief glimpses of his talent during his injury-disrupted debut season.
He believes this season presents the perfect opportunity to demonstrate his full potential at one of Europe’s biggest clubs.
Sydney Training Camp Offers Fresh Start
Chelsea’s pre-season preparations continued in Sydney, where Gittens was among the players involved in attacking drills focused on delivering crosses from wide positions.
The squad worked through various exercises alongside teammates including Cole Palmer, Estevão Willian, Marco Palestra, Aaron Anselmino, Landon Emenalo and Reggie Walsh as they build fitness before facing Western Sydney Wanderers and Tottenham in upcoming friendlies ahead of their Asian tour.
During an open training session attended by around 4,500 Chelsea supporters, Gittens also earned applause after stopping to sign the shirt of a young fan who had briefly entered the pitch seeking an autograph.
Alonso Making His Mark on the Squad
New head coach Xabi Alonso has quickly established a close relationship with his players through regular individual conversations and detailed coaching sessions.
Gittens praised the Spaniard for encouraging him to remain aggressive, continue taking on defenders and consistently create scoring opportunities.
He said Alonso regularly offers personal feedback aimed at helping each player improve.
Having previously faced Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen while playing for Borussia Dortmund, Gittens already knew the coach’s tactical strengths and now hopes to thrive under his guidance at Chelsea.
Focus Remains on His Own Future
With Alejandro Garnacho reportedly heading toward the exit after an underwhelming season on the left flank, Gittens is refusing to be distracted by developments involving teammates.
Instead, he says his attention is firmly fixed on improving his own performances and earning his place through hard work.
Competition for attacking positions may be stronger than ever following Rogers’ arrival, but Gittens views that challenge as another step toward Chelsea’s goal of returning to the top of English football and competing for major silverware once again.
