Darren Powell praised the resilience, togetherness and mentality of his Crystal Palace Under-21s after they opened their Premier League International Cup campaign with an impressive 2-1 victory over Paris Saint-Germain at Sutton on Wednesday night.
The International Cup brings together 16 Premier League 2 sides and 16 invited European clubs, with the teams split into four groups of eight. Each English side faces the four European opponents in their group once.
Palace are in Group C alongside PSG, Jong PSV, Sunderland, RSC Anderlecht and FC Porto, with their four International Cup fixtures being played at Sutton United’s Borough Sports Ground.
Watch Powell's full interview, below!
These guys showed that resilience
—Darren Powell
Adler Nascimento’s stunning free-kick gave the Young Eagles the perfect start against PSG, before Harry Lee saved a penalty on the stroke of half-time to preserve the lead.
Seb Williams then doubled the advantage early in the second half with a trademark half-volley, and although Noa Bezeme pulled one back, Powell’s side held firm for a statement opening victory.
“The resilience – we knew at times we weren't going to have the ball,” Powell said.
“We'll suffer without the ball, but we had to be resilient and mentally strong. We have to just defend properly and then, when we get those moments and the ball turns over, we've got to be really good.
“At times we could have made more of a few of those turnovers, but we knew it was going to be a tough challenge.
“These guys showed that resilience against Villa as well. We had to do it. There are going to be times when we have to defend, but we came away with a 2-0 win on that occasion and a 2-1 today.
“It just shows the group's growing. It's growing.”
We'll review it and we'll get better
—Darren Powell
The victory puts Palace top of Group C on three points, with Jong PSV and Sunderland on one and PSG yet to register a point, with each side having played once.
It also made it back-to-back victories for Powell’s side following Friday’s 2-0 win at Aston Villa – but the U21s boss was keen to stress there is still plenty to improve upon.
“I still feel we could do more with the ball,” he admitted.
“Obviously PSG were aggressive with their press. We were man for man and then we just said, ‘OK, if they're going to leave Benji [Casey] isolated one-v-one, let's use it.’
“But there were times when we could have played as well, when they did drop off a couple of times.
“Listen, we'll review it and we'll get better. The boys will understand that as well.”
Winning games puts a smile on your face
—Darren Powell
After a 1-1 draw at Arsenal, victory over Villa and now a second win against PSG, the Young Eagles are three games unbeaten at the start of the 2026/27 campaign.
For Powell, though, it is the growing belief within his young squad that is most pleasing.
“Not losing games gives you great confidence,” he said. “That's the pleasing thing.
“And obviously with a younger group, it's even more pleasing. There is going to be a drop-off in performances, but as long as you understand what we're trying to do as an individual and as a group, they give themselves an opportunity to keep themselves in the team.
“But, again, what I said to those guys in there is that the togetherness is a key factor.
“There are people that come on to start a game who haven't played half a game in pre-season, step in against PSG and put in a great performance.
“And you hear them in the changing room – they're together, singing. That's what you want. You want them to enjoy their football. Winning games puts a smile on your face.”
The boys will relish that challenge
—Darren Powell
Next up is a different challenge, with Palace travelling to face Swindon Town in the EFL Trophy on Tuesday, 19th September (KO: 19:00 BST).
With a longer break before then, Powell knows the importance of maintaining the standards that have made it three games unbeaten.
“Just train properly and get ourselves prepared physically and mentally towards the next game, which will be Swindon,” Powell said.
“Enjoy the moment now, then stay level-headed over the next couple of days and get straight back to work and prepare ourselves for that game.
“That'll be a different challenge, but one that these boys will relish.”