Chelsea Under-21s have had a whirlwind start to 2025 under our Portuguese coach, with the squad evolving in an exciting way. Several players who impressed in the first half of the season have earned valuable opportunities to gain senior experience on loan in the second half of the campaign. Meanwhile, Josh Acheampong and Tyrique George have taken the next step in their careers by joining the senior squad full-time.

Their absence has allowed a number of Under-18s regulars to step up and take the opportunity to impress, alongside several schoolboys eager to make their mark at this level. The team has lost just one of our last seven matches across all competitions, showing adaptability and maintaining strong momentum despite the changes.

'Things have been good in terms of development,' Coelho said. 'After the January transfer window closed, we held an important meeting with the squad to strengthen our unity. The key message was that everyone must be fully committed to the team and fight together as one.

'Our goal is to compete for trophies in the Premier League 2 and the Premier League Cup, while also focusing on individual development to contribute to the team's overall progress. Everything comes back to the collective effort.

'Since that discussion, the players have responded positively. We've seen stronger bonds forming within the squad and a noticeable improvement in team spirit. We want to maintain the highest levels of energy and atmosphere, both in training and in matches.'

Currently, the Blues are competing in two different competitions. In the Premier League 2, we sit in fifth position, just one point behind Southampton in fourth, with nine wins and two draws recorded so far. We've also progressed to the quarter-finals of the Premier League Cup, following a 2-1 victory over Ipswich Town in the last-16 at Kingsmeadow.

With only three fixtures remaining in the league stage of the Premier League 2, before the season-ending title play-offs begin for the top 16 teams, what mentality do the boys need to have in order to continue progressing and finish strongly?

'Having that winning mentality is everything,' Coelho said. 'We want to make sure the boys are emotionally ready for everything that comes their way. They need to be able to adapt and be prepared for anything that comes their way.

'We try and simulate the pressures that they may feel in the quarter-finals and semi-finals so that feeling becomes second nature. But, of course, what matters most is building the foundations of togetherness and effort, and understanding the importance of putting the team’s goals ahead of individual ambitions. That’s how you create a truly strong team.'

Throughout this current campaign, Coelho has seen a number of his players given the opportunity to gain experience across the road under Enzo Maresca, whether through training with the men's team or making their senior debuts.

We've had Academy players making appearances in various competitions, most recently in the UEFA Conference League and the Premier League, with Coelho feeling the young players learn important lessons from those experiences to elevate their own games back with the Academy.

'I'm very happy for the players who have been training or playing for the men's team,' Coelho continued. 'That is our ultimate goal - to develop them and prepare them for that step.

'We view the Under-21s level as almost the final stage of their youth development, and if the club believes they are ready, our job is to ensure they can perform at the highest level.

'Of course, we always fight to win Academy trophies, but our other main priority is to prepare them for the Premier League, for European competitions, and to help them reach the senior level full-time. One day, hopefully, the players will be playing in Champions League finals!

'That’s the expectation at a big club with a big Academy. It’s great because they bring those experiences of playing on a big stage or being in an environment with senior players back to the Academy. It develops them further as players and helps the squad grow.'

Get behind the boys

Coelho's squad will be back in Premier League 2 action on Friday, when we travel to Norwich City for a midday kick-off. Supporters worldwide watch that game live for free on the official Chelsea website and app. Simply follow in the Norwich City vs Chelsea Under-21s Match Centre below or visit the homepage shortly before kick-off.

Our Under-21s will also take to the big stage at Stamford Bridge on Friday 4 April, for our league fixture against Aston Villa, kicking off at 7pm. with updated pricing applied. Every season ticket holder (for both men's and women's teams), members and under-20s can claim a free ticket for the game until midday on Thursday 3 April via their online ticket account. General admission tickets are also available here now priced at £4 each.