Filipe Coelho looks forward to leading his side out at Stamford Bridge for the first time this season as Chelsea Under-21s face Aston Villa at 7pm on Friday, in our final regular Premier League 2 home fixture.
After several of members of Coelho's Under-21s squad were called up for international duty during the March break, the players have now reunited at Cobham and wasted no time getting back into full training. Since the start of the week, preparations have been in full swing as we gear up for the return to Premier League 2 action.
* [Get your tickets for Chelsea Under-21s vs Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge](https://www.chelseafc.com/en/tickets/academy-tickets)
We went into the break in excellent form after securing back-to-back wins. First, a 2-1 victory over Ipswich Town in the Premier League Cup earned us a spot in the quarter-finals, and that was followed by a convincing 3-1 away win against Norwich City in the league. With morale high at Cobham, the team is eager to get back on the pitch.
Our next opponents are Aston Villa. With this being our final regular-season Premier League 2 fixture, before the championship play-offs begin, the Blues are determined to maintain our momentum and build on those positive results.
'This game is the perfect way to return after the international break,' Coelho said. 'The team is excited, especially with the chance to play at Stamford Bridge for the first time this season.
'It will be a special moment. Our aim is to bring the strong, family atmosphere we’ve built in training onto the pitch. Playing in such a prestigious venue always carries significance, and we want to make the most of it with a strong performance.
'My players are rested and ready. At this stage of the season, supporting the men’s team is a priority, which means our training weeks aren’t always routine. However, our focus remains on controlling what we can, making the most of our time together and applying everything we’ve learned so far.
'We’ve worked tirelessly, as we always do leading up to every game. With two matches left in the Premier League 2, we’re determined to finish on a high.'
This Friday evening will mark not only the first time this season that some of our Under-21s players will step onto the Stamford Bridge pitch, but also Coelho’s first time in the dugout at the iconic stadium, since joining the club in July 2024.
'The Academy is extremely excited to play at the men’s stadium,' Coelho added. 'On a personal note, standing in the dugout at Stamford Bridge for the first time will be an incredible experience.
'More importantly, this is another special milestone for the boys. We’ve had some great moments throughout the season, but this one carries extra significance. The stadium will be filled with our supporters and families, just as it is on first-team matchdays. Sharing this moment with our loved ones in the stands will make it even more meaningful.
'For the players, stepping into a stadium of this magnitude, in front of a big crowd, is a crucial part of their development. The pressure, the atmosphere and the expectations, these are elements that simply can’t be replicated in training.
'My message to the boys is simple, embrace the experience and make Stamford Bridge feel like home. Most of them have never played here before, but learning to perform under these conditions is an essential step in preparing for the future.'
Our Academy takes immense pride in developing players who progress to senior football, including the Premier League, and experiences like this are crucial for their growth.
This season, our Under-21s have gained invaluable experience through the EFL Trophy, facing League One and League Two sides such as Bromley, Cambridge United and Charlton Athletic. Competing in senior stadiums has been key in bridging the gap to first-team football, with seven senior debuts already made this season.
'Preparing young players for the demands of top-level football goes beyond tactics,' Coelho explained. 'It’s also about emotional and mental readiness. Over the past seven weeks, we’ve focused on refining key aspects of both our attacking and defensive phases to ensure continuous progress.
'We highlight mentality constantly because it’s essential. We need that winning and fighting mindset. In difficult moments, that’s when our players’ true character shines through. This is something we’ve been working on since the start of the season. This test at Stamford Bridge will be another opportunity for them to demonstrate it.
'These experiences contribute to long-term growth, helping players learn how to handle high-pressure situations while maintaining discipline. Beyond individual development, fostering a collective mindset within the group remains a top priority.'
As preparations ramp up for an exciting evening, what does Coelho expect from his side against Aston Villa?
'Control, communication and leadership will be key,' Coelho added. 'The team must stay connected across all phases of the game, executing the tactical details we’ve focused on during training.
'Precision in attacking movements, solid structure behind the ball and defensive stability are non-negotiable. Pressing intensity, positioning and the final metres of pressure must be carried out with purpose.
'I also want to see leadership from every player. It’s a non-negotiable. While these are the qualities I expect to see against Aston Villa, they should be evident in every game and every situation.'
Get your tickets!
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You can still get your ticket to Stamford Bridge for our Premier League 2 clash against Aston Villa at 7pm on Friday evening. The period for members, season ticket holders and under-20s to claim their free ticket has now ended, but [general sale tickets remain available priced at £4 each here](https://www.chelseafc.com/en/tickets/academy-tickets), or at the Stamford Bridge ticket office from two hours before kick-off.
If you can’t make it to the stadium, you can watch the match live on the official Chelsea website and app, free of charge. To access the stream, either go to the Chelsea Under-21s vs Aston Villa Match Centre below or visit the homepage shortly before kick-off.