Since kicking off the 2025/26 campaign, Chelsea Under-21s have barely paused for breath, navigating a packed schedule across several competitions. The young squad have tested themselves in the Premier League 2, taken on senior opposition in the EFL Trophy and continued our European journey in the Premier League International Cup.

A number of players have also stepped into Under-19s action in the UEFA Youth League, gaining valuable experience on the continental stage. All of this has helped accelerate the group’s development and provided plenty of moments to reflect on as the season unfolds.

McFarlane’s side entered the November international break in outstanding form. We maintained our winning run in the UEFA Youth League, climbing to the top of the table after a commanding 5-0 win over Qarabag. That momentum carried into our Premier League 2 campaign, where the team delivered another impressive performance to claim a 4-1 victory over Reading and secure our sixth league win of the season.

This week, during the international window, seven members of the Under-21s squad received call-ups to represent their countries. Players featured for England’s Under-19s and Under-20s teams, Sweden’s Under-21s and even Jamaica’s senior national side, highlighting the strength and depth within the group.

After a training session at Cobham, we caught up with the Under-21s head coach to hear his thoughts on the season so far.

Afternoon Calum. Firstly, how have you found settling in here at Chelsea?

'I feel like I’ve really settled now. It has been three or four months since I came in and I have got my bearings with everything. I feel comfortable with all of the staff, the players and how things work day-to-day. I am really enjoying it and I genuinely feel part of the family.'

Since the start of the season, how do you feel you and the boys have done so far?

'From a footballing perspective, I think we have done really well. When you are working with younger players, performances can naturally be a bit up and down. We have had some really high moments and some tougher ones, but what has been most pleasing is how much we have learned and grown as a group.

'Every week we are adding new layers to the team and to the individual players. Hopefully we can carry that momentum forward and finish the second part of the season as strongly as we started the first.'

How have you found the bonds off the pitch?

'Really good. The boys are a fantastic group. They are hungry, hard-working and supportive of one another. From day one you could see how much they all want to succeed, both individually and collectively.

'There have been plenty of challenges, but we encourage the players to embrace them. That is part of being a footballer, showing resilience when things get tough. Those moments, I think, have brought us even closer together.

'Also, I feel really lucky to be working with the group of staff I do every day. We all get on so well. I think having that bond and wanting the best for everyone makes all the difference and translates onto the pitch.'

You mentioned challenges, one of which might be the demanding schedule. How have the players managed to cope with that?

'It has been hectic. I think we are all still adapting - players, staff, everyone. Since August it feels like we have had a game every three or four days. We have barely had a single week with just one fixture.

'Alongside that, we have been supporting the men's team when needed, which adds another layer of responsibility. So it is not just about getting through the schedule, it is about being able to perform under that kind of pressure.

'My message to the players has been that if they can handle this, they are preparing themselves for what is next, which is senior football. It is all part of stepping into what we like to call the real world of the professional game.'

A few of your players have had opportunities with the men’s team. How proud does that make you?

'It is brilliant to see. Reggie [Walsh] made his Champions League debut, Shim [Mheuka] has played half-an-hour in a men's-team match this year. It is always special to see the hard work paying off.'

The team has had strong performances against the likes of Manchester City, Arsenal and more recently Reading. How would you sum up our league campaign so far?

'I think we have shown our level, particularly against the top sides. We have had some really impressive performances there. There have been other occasions where we have not quite hit the standards we wanted, but that is part of the learning process.

'The schedule and the demands are tough, but we are seeing more consistency now. The progress is clear and that gives us confidence for the second half of the season.'

We have seen a lot of younger players stepping up into the Under-21s already this season. How have they handled it?

'They have been brilliant. This club is known for developing top young talent across all age groups and that has been clear again this year.

'We have had a number of Under-16s players step up in both the UEFA Youth League and EFL Trophy campaigns. We are really proud of giving them that opportunity. At Chelsea, if you are good enough, you will get the chance, and we will keep building on that tradition.'

Do you approach things differently with the younger players who make the step up?

'Preparation is always the same. It is a big moment for them, making their Youth League debut or their first game at Under-21s level, but our message is always the same - do what has got you here. They do not need to change their game just because the environment is older or the level is higher.

'We are here to support them, whether they play well or have an off day. It is about embracing the challenge and showing they can handle the pressure.'

Do the older players help the younger ones settle in?

'Definitely. We have a really strong leadership group. There are about five or six lads who take that responsibility. They know the squad changes a lot, with players moving up, dropping down and new faces coming in, but they keep things consistent. That leadership helps us maintain the same culture and standards, no matter who is in the team.'

You are top of the table after four wins out of four in the UEFA Youth League. How do you sum up that campaign so far?

'That question sounds good! It has been a really positive campaign so far. We have played some top European sides and every game has been a challenge. There have been moments when we were not in full control, but the boys have shown great character to come through those situations.

'We have never looked out of our depth and we have grown in confidence as the competition has gone on. With Barcelona and Atalanta coming up, we have two more big tests. We want to show what we are capable of on that stage.'

The atmosphere in those games is special. Does that make a difference?

'Absolutely. When we play at Cobham and it is a full house, you can feel the excitement. Chelsea has such a strong history in this competition and we all feel that pride. Those environments test the lads in new ways mentally and that experience will serve them really well in their careers.'

What have you learned personally from that competition?

'It has been a big learning curve for the staff too. You are up against some of the best academies in Europe, so you cannot expect to have things all your own way.

'One of our main focuses has been consistency, especially when things do not go perfectly. In games like Benfica, we had tough spells but stayed calm and stuck to our behaviours. That is a key lesson. You do not have to be at your best for all 90 minutes to win, but you do need to be consistent in your attitude and approach.'

With the international break here, what has been the focus for those still at Cobham?

'We see the international break as giving the lads who stayed a bit of a breather while keeping them ticking over.

'We are working in smaller groups, with more individual-based sessions, just to keep the focus sharp without overloading them. The Youth League game against Barcelona is coming up soon, so we cannot take our foot off the gas completely, but they have definitely earned a bit of recovery time.'

And for those away on international duty, how big of a moment is that?

'It is massive for them and their families. We are all so proud. Reggie [Walsh] and Chizaram [Ezenwata] are playing in the Under-17s World Cup, which is incredible. Others have gone away to represent their countries too. It is part of what Chelsea is all about. It is not just about producing club players but internationals. We fully support them when they go away and represent the club, their country and themselves.'

Finally, what is your message to the boys returning from international duty?

'Enjoy your time away, but come back ready to work. There is no respite. We go straight back into the Youth League against Barcelona and then the International Cup against Paris Saint-Germain.

'There are only a few more weeks until the Christmas break, so the message is simple. Enjoy representing your country, but be ready to hit the ground running when you are back.'

Keep up to date with the Blues!

Calum McFarlane will lead Chelsea Under-19s after the international break as the team resumes our UEFA Youth League campaign. The Blues host Barcelona at Cobham on Tuesday 25 November, with kick-off at 1pm. Supporters can watch the match live via TNT Sports and UEFA.tv.

Also, supporters can secure their seat for our next Under-21s fixture against Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday 3 December, kicking off at 7pm at Kingsmeadow. Chelsea supporters, season ticket holders (for both the men’s and women’s teams) and under-20s can claim a free ticket until midday on Tuesday 2 December. All other supporters can purchase tickets at a general sale price of £4.