Having claimed the Under-18 Premier League South title, the young Blues faced off against Manchester United – winners of the northern division – to be crowned national champion Stamford Bridge on Tuesday evening.

Sulaiman's side fell behind in the contest but equalised straight after the restart when Josh Acheampong headed home. Unfortunately, Ethan Williams later restored the visitors' lead and although chances came and went for Chelsea, it was United who were crowned national champion.

‘The natural feeling is to be disappointed at the result,’ explains Sulaiman. 'We had bright moments throughout the game where we could have taken it away from United.

'Although we continued momentum, we did not captalise on all the opportunities that came in the final third. We lacked that final piece of quality and composure.

‘It is important to have that killer instinct, especially in games like that. You cannot afford to miss any chances. You need to take them. But the boys will bounce back, I've no doubt about that. It is what development football is about.

'The bigger picture is the players are progressing as individuals and this experience is preparing them for professional football.'

The national final was the first game played by the Under-18s at Stamford Bridge this season. For many of our young players, it was an opportunity to fulfil a long-held ambition and enjoy a taste of what our senior stars experience.

‘Playing at Stamford Bridge was something the boys dreamed of,' says Sulaiman. 'Some of them have been at the Academy since they were nine years old and in that time they would have watched countless youth teams lift trophies and play at the Bridge.

‘They would have been up there in the stands looking down hoping that one day it would be their turn – on Tuesday it was.

‘They will be disappointed with the outcome but it was a dream come true for most of the boys. There are lots of positives to take away from the fixture, which will prepare them for the next stages in their football career.'