It was a disappointing return after the October international break for our young Blues as we frustratingly fell to a narrow 2-1 defeat against Reading at Cobham on Saturday.

We started on the front foot and eventually secured the opener with a brilliant team effort, as Frankie Runham stole the ball from a Reading defender, spotted Ollie Harrison and his perfect cross saw schoolboy Ryan Kavuma-McQueen smash the ball home.

However, the away side capitalised on a Chelsea error at the back and soon equalised when Kallum Fuller-Thompson scored. With their momentum, the Royals added a second from a partially cleared set-piece, with Ashqar Ahmed picking up the loose ball.

Despite Chelsea causing problems and being a constant threat in the second half, we were unable to equalise.

'We have taken time to reflect after our last performance,' Sulaiman said. 'Looking in greater detail at the game against Reading, we have carefully broken down our performance and have a clear picture of what we need to do next.

'We have assessed and identified several areas of improvement as well as some strengths. Although it wasn't the result we wanted, there were some aspects we were happy with.

'For example, we dominated possession, with stats showing around 70 per cent in our favour, which is one of the positives. However, despite our dominance in possession, we need to be more ruthless in and around the final third.

'We know we have a group of boys with the abilities to finish in front of goal, it's just about making sure the lead-up to that moment is done right.

'On the defensive side, we conceded two sloppy goals, highlighting the need to improve our defensive actions.

'This week, our focus has been on enhancing the connection between defenders to ensure we are compact and difficult to break down. Communication and connections are key.

'We need to eliminate any gaps between our first and second lines of defence. Additionally, in our pressing actions, we aim to be fresher and more aggressive in our approach.'

Our current Under-18s squad is filled with young players, including 11 first-year scholars as well as additional schoolboys who have stepped up to make appearances. Sulaiman highlights the importance of his team understanding the power of mindset in order to bounce back.

He said: 'As we prepare for the upcoming match against Southampton, holding a positive mindset will be crucial for us. From the players who were involved in the last fixture to the boys who are returning from injury, they have all recognised the importance of mindset as we move forward this season.

'As I have said before, our squad is young, but this presents a great opportunity for development through exposure to tough games. The boys are starting to bounce back mentally, which is encouraging.

'We want to perform well in every game and aim to win consistently. These high standards are expected from our academy. Looking at this group, we have some talented young players, and it’s important to develop resilience to overcome challenges.

'The game against Southampton will be an opportunity for us to bounce back and we know it will be a tough test against a well-organised team.'

Saturday's opponents, the Saints, have started the season with two wins, one loss, and seven draws. More recently, the side comes into this match on a high after securing a 3-0 victory against West Bromwich Albion.

'One key aspect I want to see from our players is more aggression and hunger,' Sulaiman added. 'I know we have the skill and ability to win, but I want to see it in their characters.

'When teams play against us, we often see the fire in their eyes, like the Reading players who defend as if their lives depend on it. Matches against teams like Chelsea are always challenging for other clubs, but they come out with determination. It’s crucial for our players to show that same fight and desire to win.

'To succeed on Saturday, we need to focus on winning tackles, individual battles and second balls. We must bring consistency to our performance while maintaining our structure. I trust that our players are ready for the challenge ahead.'

Support our young Blues

Supporters worldwide can watch Chelsea Under-18 in action against Southampton this Saturday at the Staplewood Training Ground. The match kicks off at 11am and will be streamed for free on the official Chelsea app, website, and YouTube channel. To access the live stream, visit the Southampton U18 vs Chelsea U18 Match Centre.