Chelsea Under-21s will head to Heritage Park on Sunday afternoon to face Middlesbrough, aiming to secure their first victory of the season.

Our Blues have had a busy week, competing in the Premier League International Cup against RB Leipzig in a midweek match, where we suffered a 4-2 defeat.

Omari Kellyman scored twice for the Blues but was shown a red card, leaving the team with only 10 men for the remainder of the European clash. This disadvantage allowed the visitors to capitalise, adding three additional goals to secure the win in the first group fixture.

Despite not achieving the desired result against RB Leipzig, head coach Filipe Coelho believes the recent performances have shown promising attributes. He feels that the quick turnaround will benefit the team.

‘It’s been a challenge this week as it’s been so busy,' the Portuguese coach began. ‘We had a fixture on Wednesday, and the men’s team have picked up a few of our players for their European fixture on Thursday.

'We have just been focusing on what we can do, taking each game as it comes.

‘The team have to adapt to the schedule. If we reflect on the senior level, the players will have this as a regular schedule, so we see it as preparation for their next stages of their career.

‘After reflecting on Wednesday’s fixture, we have so much analysis and points we needed to work on. I have been impressed with the boys and how they have adapted to the analysis and wanting to better themselves by reflecting and looking ahead.

‘It’s been good to see the players commitment and development in that area. Although it wasn’t the result we wanted, there are positives we can take away from RB Leipzig's game into this weekend’s fixture. We saw unity within the team and a solid team performance.’

Sunday's opponents, Middlesbrough, have also had a challenging start to their PL2 campaign, losing both of their opening matches. They most recently fell to a narrow 3-2 defeat against Sunderland.

Coelho looks forward to the challenges that Sunday afternoon's fixture will bring, believing it will be a clash filled with action and intensity.

He added: ‘Playing away is always a challenge in itself. Middlesbrough is a long way! But it will be a good fight that we are ready for.

‘We are feeling more confident as having a couple of fixtures under our belt, we can take all those positives and areas we want to work on into this game.

‘We want to be in charge of this game in every aspect, whether it’s possession, goals, and mindset.

'During our training sessions, we have been tirelessly focusing on ensuring that we convert scoring opportunities. We need to be aggressive and decisive in taking those chances.'

As Coelho arrived at the start of the 2024/25 preseason, this match marks his first away competitive fixture with his team. He is excited about what the weekend holds.

‘The players are more connected, which is something I always underline - the importance of the character of the players and how I want my team to connect as a team, not individuals,' he said.

‘We want the boys to take that positive connection and unity not only into the next fixture but throughout the rest of the season.

‘I want the boys to believe in themselves. I believe I am a very honest coach. I want my staff and I to better the boys in every aspect, whether that’s on or off the pitch.

‘Everyone makes errors, but it’s how you react from them and how you show that resilience to want to go back and improve. It’s about the reaction, about being proactive.

‘Sometimes there will be difficult times when we don’t win or get the results, we felt we deserved, but it’s how we go back and reflect to make sure those results do come - which I believe they will as we continue to do hard work.’