Levi Colwill’s Instagram story wasn’t just a post—it was a statement. A reminder that success in football is never a solo act
From the masseurs who treat muscle strains to the nutritionists planning post-match meals, every cog in the machine matters.
In celebrating “the people that you don’t see,” Colwill honored the heartbeat of Chelsea Football Club. And in doing so, he added another layer of pride to an already unforgettable European night.
Liam Delap offers youth, hunger, and promise, but is that enough for a club aiming to return to Champions League contention and Premier League title races? John Terry doesn’t think so.
His message is simple but powerful: if Chelsea want to go to the next level, they need a striker who has already been there. A player with scars from battles won and lost. A player who doesn’t just have potential—but presence.
Terry’s advice may not align with the club’s current transfer strategy, but it resonates with fans craving a return to the elite. The coming transfer window will reveal whether Chelsea sticks with its youth-first policy—or pivots to experience in pursuit of glory.
Also Read: Levi Colwill Reveals the Secret Behind Chelsea’s Revival Under Enzo Maresca
Table of Contents
Levi Colwill’s Heartfelt Tribute
The Unsung Heroes Behind Chelsea’s European Glory
When Chelsea lifted the UEFA Conference League trophy on May 28 in Wrocław, Poland, the headlines naturally focused on goals, tactics, and the stars on the pitch.1
Yet, one man took a moment to shine a light on those who are often invisible to the public eye—defender Levi Colwill.
In a simple but powerful Instagram story, Colwill paid tribute to Chelsea’s backroom staff, emphasizing their invaluable contributions to the club’s success.
The Instagram Story That Captured Hearts
In the aftermath of Chelsea’s 4-1 win over Real Betis, Colwill posted a short, heartfelt message on his Instagram story.
Overlaying an image of behind-the-scenes staff members, he wrote:
“The people that you don’t see!!”
In those six words, Colwill offered a reminder that football is not just a game won by eleven players on the pitch.
It is a collective effort—built day by day, training session by training session—by dozens of individuals who rarely receive public recognition.
Grateful to have this opportunity to help as many people as possible with @sholingfc
Looking forward to the future 🙌🏾 https://t.co/nMH8dorDVL— Levi Colwill (@levi_colwill) July 1, 2024
Chelsea Ends Trophy Drought in Style
Before Colwill’s tribute, Chelsea had already made history on the field. The club ended a three-year trophy drought by capturing the UEFA Conference League with an emphatic 4-1 win over Spanish side Real Betis.
The triumph was not just a celebration of silverware but a historical landmark—Chelsea became the first club to win all three major European trophies: the Champions League, Europa League, and now the Conference League.
From a Scare to a Statement
The match didn’t begin as Chelsea fans would have hoped. Betis forward Abde Ezzalzouli silenced the Blues faithful in the 9th minute with a clinical finish, putting the Spanish outfit ahead.
But Chelsea, under the guidance of Enzo Maresca, turned the tide in the second half.
Enzo Fernandez equalized with a thunderous strike, before Nicolas Jackson gave Chelsea the lead. Goals from Jadon Sancho and Moises Caicedo sealed the win, turning a tense final into a celebratory affair.
Levi Colwill: Chelsea’s Rising Star
Though he didn’t find the net in the final, Levi Colwill had a commendable season. At just 22 years old, he made 38 appearances across all competitions and scored two goals.2
His composure, strength, and tactical awareness have made him one of Chelsea’s most promising defenders.
His post-match message reflected maturity beyond his years—a deep understanding of what makes a football club function at its best.
The Role of the Backroom Staff: Silent Contributors
Colwill’s tribute pointed toward a group of people often taken for granted: the medical team, physiotherapists, analysts, kit managers, chefs, nutritionists, and so many others.
These are the individuals who:
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Prepare players physically and mentally
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Manage injuries and recovery
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Provide tactical insights and opponent analysis
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Ensure training sessions run smoothly
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Maintain team morale and unity
Without them, top-level football simply wouldn’t be possible.
A Tactical Masterstroke
Much credit for Chelsea’s resurgent form and Conference League glory goes to Enzo Maresca, who took over managerial duties earlier this season.
Known for his meticulous preparation and tactical versatility, Maresca transformed Chelsea’s identity, instilling discipline and attacking fluidity.
His decision to rotate players smartly throughout the season ensured that the squad remained fresh and competitive in all competitions.
Under his management, Colwill flourished, learning both positional discipline and on-ball aggression.
A Season to Remember: Chelsea’s European Campaign
Chelsea’s journey to the Conference League title was anything but smooth. Facing tough sides like Fiorentina, Braga, and Eintracht Frankfurt, the Blues needed more than just talent—they needed grit, unity, and strategic execution.
Standout performances from Noni Madueke, Cole Palmer, and Christopher Nkunku throughout the tournament helped the Blues navigate tight fixtures, showcasing the squad depth that Maresca carefully developed.
Levi Colwill: The Emotional Impact of his Message
In an era dominated by flashy celebrations and individual branding, Colwill’s humble gesture felt like a breath of fresh air.
Fans and pundits alike praised him for highlighting the team behind the team.
One user commented on social media:
“Levi Colwill gets it. Football is more than just star players—it’s a family behind the scenes.”
Such moments show how important emotional intelligence and humility are in the modern game.
Building a Culture of Appreciation
Colwill’s shoutout may seem small, but its impact is profound. Football clubs operate best when there’s mutual respect across all levels—from the players to the coaching staff, to the administrative team.
Chelsea’s recent success suggests that a culture of appreciation and collaboration is growing within the club. That bodes well for future seasons.
Chelsea fans were quick to echo Colwill’s sentiment. Several supporters reposted his story, tagging Chelsea’s official account and sharing their own thank-you messages for the staff.
It reminded the wider footballing world that fans don’t only support the 90-minute spectacle—they appreciate the journey, the sacrifices, and the people who make those magical moments possible.
What’s Next for Levi Colwill?
With his stock rising rapidly, Colwill looks set to play an even bigger role in Chelsea’s future. His versatility allows him to play both as a center-back and left-back, offering tactical flexibility for Maresca.
Rumors of interest from other top clubs have circulated, but Chelsea is reportedly keen to tie him down to a long-term deal. If his form continues, Colwill could soon become one of the league’s premier defenders—and perhaps a future captain.
While the Conference League title is a major milestone, Chelsea’s ambitions don’t stop there. The club now sets its sights on:
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Challenging for a top-four Premier League finish
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Making a strong run in the FA Cup
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Progressing deeper in European competitions next season
With young stars like Colwill, Palmer, and Mudryk developing under Maresca, Chelsea seems poised for a bright new chapter.
Also Read: Meet Donna Kelce: How One Mom Raised Two Football Superstars!
Levi Colwill: The Need for Experience
Terry’s Blueprint for Success
Terry emphasized that to elevate Chelsea’s attacking threat, the club needs to look beyond youth.
“If you’re looking to go to that next step, you need to bring in someone who is proven, who has done it, who has scored goals in the Premier League,” he said.
The message is clear: Chelsea must find a balance between potential and pedigree.
A young team with high ceilings is promising for the future, but experienced players bring leadership, consistency, and composure—traits crucial during title races or European knockout matches.
A New Direction: Chelsea’s Ownership Philosophy
While Terry acknowledges the need for experience, he also highlighted the club’s current approach under its new ownership. “The owners are quite clear they’re not going to go down that route,” he stated.
“They don’t want to bring in someone of 29, 30 years of age on big money. It’s going to be a different model and a different mindset.”
Chelsea’s American ownership, led by Todd Boehly, has adopted a youth-focused recruitment strategy, investing in emerging talents with high resale value.
This model deviates from the Roman Abramovich era, where established stars were often brought in to deliver immediate success.
Why Liam Delap May Not Be the Answer
Liam Delap, 22, had a decent season with Ipswich Town, scoring 12 goals and contributing two assists in 37 Premier League appearances.
While his output is commendable considering Ipswich’s 19th-place finish, Terry remains unconvinced that Delap fits Chelsea’s current needs.
Delap’s £30 million release clause makes him an affordable option in today’s market, but Terry believes Chelsea should aim higher.
His view reflects the belief that the club should prioritize players who have already proven themselves at the top level, rather than betting on another developing talent.
Delap’s Potential and Premier League Suitors
Despite Terry’s concerns, Delap has attracted interest from several Premier League clubs, including Manchester United, Newcastle United, and Everton.
These clubs may see him as a long-term investment with room to grow, particularly given his physicality, work rate, and eye for goal.
His age, profile, and relatively modest fee make him an appealing option for clubs looking to build for the future.
However, Terry’s comments suggest that for a club with Chelsea’s ambitions, such a signing might not be impactful enough in the short term.
Levi Colwill: Striking the Right Balance
The situation highlights a broader debate in football recruitment: should clubs prioritize youth or experience?
Chelsea’s recent approach under Boehly has leaned heavily toward signing younger players, but the lack of seasoned leaders has been apparent during difficult periods.
While a youthful squad can be exciting and dynamic, the absence of veterans who can guide younger players through pressure moments often shows in big matches.
Terry’s call for a proven striker is a call for balance—bringing in someone who can perform now, not just in two or three years.
The Importance of Proven Goal Scorers in Title Contenders
Teams that win titles tend to have reliable, consistent goal scorers. Whether it’s Erling Haaland at Manchester City, Harry Kane (formerly) at Spurs, or even Mohamed Salah at Liverpool, top clubs usually boast at least one forward capable of scoring 20+ goals a season.
Chelsea’s lack of such a striker in recent years has hindered their ability to compete at the top level.
Since Didier Drogba and Diego Costa, the Blues have struggled to find a consistent No. 9. Terry’s call reflects a growing frustration that this issue remains unresolved.
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What Should Chelsea Do Instead?
If Chelsea are to heed Terry’s advice, the solution lies in identifying a forward with a proven record, preferably in the Premier League or a comparable league.
Someone like Ivan Toney, Alexander Isak, or even a returning Romelu Lukaku (if mentally ready) could be more fitting options.
Chelsea must also consider the psychological and tactical demands of playing for a top club. Delap may have talent, but the jump from Ipswich Town to Chelsea is enormous. The Stamford Bridge spotlight can overwhelm even the most gifted players.
John Terry’s Influence and Perspective
Terry remains a respected voice in English football, and his insights carry weight, especially among Chelsea fans and decision-makers.
As a former captain who led the team through its most successful era, his understanding of what it takes to win at the highest level is unmatched.
His comments are not a dismissal of Delap’s talent but a reality check about the standards and ambitions Chelsea must uphold.
The club’s identity, forged in a culture of winning, demands players who are not just promising but proven.
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