With pre-season training in full swing, our Under-21s are busy preparing for the upcoming Premier League 2 action, which kicks off with a home match against 2023/24 champions and London rivals Tottenham.

The side has been working through a packed schedule before that opener, featuring a series of friendly fixtures to ensure the Blues are well-prepared and ready to follow in last season’s footsteps by progressing to the play-offs, and hopefully getting some early revenge against the team which eliminated us from last season’s semi-finals.

Sitting down after a training session at Cobham, new Under-21s head coach Filipe Coelho explained he is already impressed by the way his squad has been taking on lessons during pre-season to continue progressing to follow the Chelsea way.

'The boys understand the vision and the direction we want to take,’ he said. ‘They recognise the importance of attitude, staying motivated and being driven, all of which enhance their performance.

'To transition to the men’s team, they need to be aware that a lot of hard work remains and that the process will be challenging. While performance is crucial, mindset also plays a significant role. If they have the desire, it will push them to the next level.

'The players have gelled well as a team and are giving their all in training sessions. Their commitment to training as if they are competing in matches will prepare them effectively. This dedication is important.

'That's the Chelsea way – working hard, always striving for more and never giving up. These values are essential attributes for this squad.'

For Coelho, that mental aspect of the professional game is especially important for the players during this stage of their development, and it is an area he and the team are working hard on ahead of the 2024/25 season.

'Since I joined – and particularly in the past week or so – we have been focusing on the psychological mindset of the players, which I believe is incredibly important.

'It involves developing aspects such as the players' body language, how they communicate in various situations and how they conduct themselves during training and meetings.

'We are Chelsea. We should always be hungry for more. I believe you can only be hungry if you are mentally ready for more. Within our players, we want to build character, focusing on our values, work ethic and attitude.'

Not only does the 39-year-old believe that a positive mental attitude will help the players flourish, but he also recognises that it will prepare them to take the next step in their careers, which will hopefully be their first in senior football.

'We know that some of our players might jump straight into that environment during pre-season, or they could get the opportunity later in the season. But they need to be physically and mentally ready at any moment.

'I always say to the boys: "never rush your experiences in the development squad". It’s important to live in the moment and take everything in, because when the time comes, you will be ready to take the next step in your career.'

The Portuguese coach has plenty of dedicated staff at Cobham on hand to help in his work preparing the Under-21s for the next stage of their careers, and he believes that support and togetherness is a big part of what makes the Chelsea Academy so successful at developing young talent.

'Since joining the club, I have gotten to know each department because I believe it's crucial to get to know everyone behind the scenes,’ added Coelho.

'At Cobham, it's clear that everyone works together to achieve success and it shows. Each department has been enthusiastic about working alongside me and I couldn't be more grateful.

‘This is how success is achieved, as every single person helps progress our players.'