Chelsea development squad boss Andy Myers has said the target for his group 'is to keep learning' and to 'take all aspects of your development to make yourself a better individual' as he reflects on back-to-back wins in all competitions and how his team can take that momentum to improve as a whole.
In reference to a recent 2-1 win over Bristol Rovers in the Papa John's Trophy when the number of players at his disposal was limited due to the international break, Myers was satisfied with that and the application in training from those available.
He said: 'On reflection I am pleased with the win and the performance but not shocked. Myself and the coaching staff were pleased with how the boys trained and how they applied the tactics discussed to secure the win.
'The boys who were not called up stayed behind and trained very well. They even had the opportunity of an 11 v 11 against the first team players who were also not called up.'
Myers said that despite the positive results there is always room for improvement, adding:
'The experience of having to be focused all game is invaluable for the boys. We must score a lot more from the the opportunites that we create, there are situations where you can be punished for not finishing off chances, so we must work on that.
'The target for this group is to keep on learning, taking all the objectives and aspects from the last two games, in fact all games and using it to improve as a player and becoming a stronger, better team. It is these experiences that will shape you as a player and no matter their pathway into senior football, we want our boys to be ready.'
A huge help in the team's learning process has been 26-year-old Lewis Baker, who has been of huge assistance on the pitch for our development squad.
Myers said 'I think Lew epitomises professionalism, as he has come into this group by just doing it right. Someone of his experience, with everything he has achieved, has come in and shown everyone how you should approach training everyday.'
'Lewis has been a credit and it has been beneficial that he was brought up within the system so he serves as a coach on and off the pitch for the boys within the squad.'
Myers will next be on the touchline in tomorrow's U19s' Uefa Youth League game at Kingsmeadow against Malmo, which kicks off at noon. Tickets are no longer available and cannot be bought on the day.
The game can be watched live on this website and The 5th Stand.