Chelsea Under-21s went into this international break following a disappointing 4-3 defeat against Derby County at the Proctor Cars Stadium.

The Premier League Cup fixture got off to a lively start with the Rams opening the scoring. However, Blues captain Harvey Vale quickly levelled from a well-executed team set-piece involving Kiano Dyer and Shumaira Mheuka.

We added two more goals before the interval, Deivid Washington heading in a cross from Richard Olise, before Vale scored again, thanks to a brilliant run by Samuel Rak-Sakyi.

But, after the restart, our opponents responded with a burst of goals to turn the game around, leaving Coelho with plenty to reflect on during the break with the players who remain at Cobham, while several represent their countries at various levels, including England Under-19s, Under-20s and Finland Under-21s.

'It is difficult to digest what happened,' said the Portuguese coach, reflecting on the Derby clash, 'mainly because there were reflections to be had, but the timing was tough as we knew we’d lose some boys to international duty.

'When situations like this come it means you can't address the group as a whole, which forces us to have individual conversations. These one-on-one discussions allow us to dive deeply into every player’s movements, ensuring we examine every detail.

'We’ll save some discussions and reflections when everyone returns to Cobham. The calendar has shifted the timing of our response to the performance, but we’re still working hard and developing skills from the match.'

However, while they may not be at Cobham to work with Coelho and the rest of the team, the Under-21s players competing on the international stage are still gaining invaluable experience by facing unfamiliar opponents, and our head coach is seeing the positive side.

He said: 'I’m very happy with the number of boys representing their countries. It’s a huge moment for them and it shows their hard work has been recognised. Representing their countries is a major achievement.

'Here at Chelsea, we clearly have a wealth of talent and it’s seen by national teams as well. In some ways, I’m pleased to see them go. It means we have talent and we’re developing our players in ways that the likes of England and Finland recognise.

'I hope they fully embrace this opportunity and take everything they can from it. I’m proud to see our players recognised, it gives them a great platform.'

Another plus from this break is that, with no Under-21s fixtures scheduled until our Premier League International Cup match against Real Sociedad at Kingsmeadow on Tuesday 26 November, we have plenty time to refresh and prepare for that next game.

Coelho said: 'This international break gives us a chance to work more individually with the players who have remained here, addressing their specific needs. We’re also giving them extra days off, which is important for them to step back. It's good for the players to focus on family and friends and recharge mentally.

'After the break, we usually return completely refreshed, bringing renewed energy to the pitch. It’s crucial for the boys to take this time off during a busy season and care for themselves off the pitch as well.'

Watch our Blues in action

Supporters can watch our Under-21s in Premier League International Cup action against Real Sociedad on Tuesday 26 November at Kingsmeadow, with a 7pm kick-off. Season ticket holders (both men’s and women’s teams), members, and juniors (under 20) are able to claim one free ticket and for other supporters, tickets are just £4.

If you cannot attend, supporters worldwide can watch the live stream provided on the official Chelsea app, website and YouTube channel free of charge. Access the stream by following the Chelsea U21 vs Real Sociedad U21 Match Centre.