After the conclusion of the season, Chelsea Under-21s head coach Filipe Coelho looks back at a campaign full of valuable lessons, character-building experiences and progress at the heart of Academy football.
When Coelho took charge of Chelsea Under-21s ahead of the 2024/25 season, he embarked on a new chapter, one that was both professionally and personally transformative.
Having spent the previous year guiding Estoril’s Under-23s in his native Portugal, he made the switch to Cobham to take on a fresh set of challenges and ambitions. The move to a new footballing culture was met with excitement, but also with the knowledge that a new journey was about to begin.
Over 37 competitive fixtures, Coelho’s side has not only grown but also embraced the challenge of competing at the highest level. From reaching the quarter-finals of the Premier League Cup to securing a strong third-place finish in the Premier League 2, the season has been defined by both individual and collective development.
'It’s been an incredible journey' Coelho said, smiling. 'From the very start, I felt welcomed by everyone here. The atmosphere has been so family-oriented and that’s really stuck with me.
'The quality of the players was clear from day one, but what stood out most was how open everyone has been to my ideas. It’s been a fantastic environment for growth. I’m proud of the progress we’ve made as a team.
'Of course, there have been moments where we’ve been disappointed with the results, but those experiences have been key to the team’s growth. We've focused heavily on developing the right mindset and psychological strength. I truly believe we've made great strides in that area.
'Throughout the season, we’ve faced strong opponents. I’m confident we’ve taken significant steps toward becoming a more cohesive and confident team.'
Moments to remember
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Despite the challenges, Coelho’s side demonstrated resilience and determination throughout the campaign. One of the early standout moments came in a clinical 6-0 away win over Fulham in a west London derby. Our head coach praised the team’s discipline and focus, highlighting it as a clear sign of the players' growing maturity and ability to perform under pressure.
'Fulham was a great result for us. That match was powerful, a real statement from us. London derbies are always fierce and we gave everything in that fixture, which is why it’s one of my favourite moments.
'We communicated well, fought hard and, most importantly, showed we weren’t afraid of anything. We left everything on the pitch and that’s why we earned the result.'
Another memorable performance followed later in the season, with an impressive 4-1 victory over Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge. It was an unforgettable occasion for both players and coach, as many of them made their first appearance at the club’s home stadium.
'To coach at Stamford Bridge was a dream,' Coelho reflected. 'It was my first time there in the technical area and an experience I’ll never forget. To see the boys perform so well in such a prestigious setting was fantastic.
'It was a great performance from the boys. From the beginning, we showed a real intensity and that was reflected in the scoreline. It was great to see the support from the fans also. Once again, it enhanced that family feeling surrounding the Academy.'
Perhaps the most fulfilling part of Coelho’s first season has been watching players take the next step in their careers. At the start of the campaign, both [Josh Acheampong](/en/teams/profile/josh-acheampong) and [Tyrique George](/en/teams/profile/tyrique-george) were key members of his Under-21s squad. By December, they had made the permanent jump to the senior team.
'For us, that’s what it’s all about, preparing players to make the step up to senior football,' Filipe explained. 'Seeing Josh and Tyrique earn their place with the men’s team was a proud moment for everyone involved. It was a clear sign that the Academy is doing its job in developing young talent for the next stage of their careers.'
Coelho is also excited about the growing collaboration between the Academy and the men's squad, particularly during the UEFA Conference League campaign, where eight youth players were given the chance to prove themselves on the European stage in their senior debuts.
'Having our players in the first-team environment, especially in European competition, is invaluable,' he said. 'It’s been a great platform for them to showcase what they can do. It's another great opportunity for the boys to get a taste of the senior level, seeing how the men's professionals act, train and prepare for the game.
'It's all great experience. Hopefully we’ll see even more of our players making that transition and that’s what we aim for. We want to help these boys become key contributors to the men’s team.'
**Development the ultimate goal**
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For Coelho, the biggest lesson from the season has been the importance of maturity, both as a team and as individuals. While the team started the season with plenty of individual talent, it was only as the months passed that the squad truly began to come together as a cohesive unit.
'At the start of the season, we were a group of individuals, each player focused on their own game. It took a while for the players to understand the importance of unity, of working together for the collective good. But in the last month of the season, I saw a real shift. We saw a stronger sense of togetherness, both on and off the pitch.
'I've said from the start of the season that the bond is everything. The relationships the boys build off the pitch directly impact what happens on it. They needed to understand each other and form real friendships. When they feel like a team, they fight like one, and that makes them want it even more.'
'Now, when I see the players interacting with each other and the staff in a more engaged way, it feels like we’ve reached a new level of understanding. It’s taken time, but we’re now coming together at just the right moment.'
**Looking ahead**
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As the season draws to a close, Coelho is full of gratitude for the support he has received, both from his coaching staff and from the entire Chelsea Academy.
'I’ve felt so welcomed here and I’ve been fortunate to work with such a fantastic team,' he continued. 'The coaching staff, the players and everyone around us, it’s been an amazing experience.
'I want to give a special mention to James Simmonds, Jack Mesure, Bill Thompson and Andy Boughey, as well as support staff Adam Keep, Joe Hussey and Luke Passman. They’ve played a key role in everything we’ve done this season. Their support has been incredible. I’m truly grateful for everything they’ve contributed to making this season a success.
'As well as the staff I work with every day, I want to say a huge thank you to everyone else in the building. As I’ve said before, the Academy truly feels like a family. Everyone plays a big part in our season. All the work that goes on behind the scenes to make things happen does not go unnoticed.'
Now, with the summer break approaching, the Academy takes time to reset before returning for 2025/26 pre-season in July. We asked Coelho if he had any final words for his team.
'We should be excited to build on what we’ve achieved this season. The foundation is there. We’ll keep pushing for greater consistency and more success. For now, the players deserve a well-earned break, but I’m already looking forward to what next season holds.
'Enjoy your time away. Rest, recharge and come back ready to take on the next challenge. We’ve made great strides, and I believe the best is yet to come.'