Since taking up the role of Under-18s head coach in January, Hogan has been straight into the action. One of his first games in charge of the Blues came in the fourth round of the FA Youth Cup, with an away trip to the Select Car Leasing Stadium to face Reading.

That evening proved an eventful introduction, as Chelsea secured a 3-2 victory to progress in the competition. A brace from Ryan Kavuma-McQueen, alongside a well-taken Reggie Watson free-kick, ensured our place in the fifth round.

Attention has now turned fully to the prestigious competition, with a home fixture awaiting as we host Manchester City at Kingsmeadow on Monday 9 February, with kick-off scheduled for 7pm. Tickets are still available and if you can't be there in person the game will shown live for free on the Chelsea Official App and website.

Having reached this stage last season under Hassan Sulaiman, before falling to Manchester United, there is a real sense of opportunity around the group as we look to continue our journey in the competition.

‘I’d describe myself as enthusiastic and intense,’ Hogan says. ‘I demand a lot from the boys every day and I set high standards, not just for them but for myself as well.

‘I’m a driver. I want to maximise the potential we have here, build strong relationships with the players and help develop them not only as footballers, but as people too. That connection is really important to me.

‘I’ve known the group properly since July and I feel we’ve built strong relationships across the board. I want the boys to know they can always come to me, whether that’s football-related or something else.’

Despite a busy start to his spell in charge of this team, Hogan has overseen a strong run of form. Since taking over, he has continued our Under-18 Premier League unbeaten streak with victories over Birmingham City, Leicester City, Reading and, most recently, Norwich City.

‘The boys are in a really good place, to be fair,’ Hogan continues. ‘We’ve had a strong full week now that we’re into the new year, which has been important after such a busy period of games.

‘There were a lot of fixtures in a short space of time - pretty much one every week - but the lads have responded really well. They’re hungry, they’re training well and there’s a real sense of togetherness within the group.

‘They’re good players, they believe in themselves and they’re ready to win.’

With Chelsea set to face Man City next, anticipation is high. The two sides have met in the FA Youth Cup final on four occasions, with Chelsea victorious three times, adding an extra edge to Monday’s fixture.

‘This is one of those games you want to be involved in, both as a player and as a coach,’ Hogan explains. ‘It’s pretty clear you’re looking at two of the best teams in the country at this level.

‘These are the matches where you really learn a lot about the boys, especially when they’re tested in a pressurised environment against a top side. It’s exactly the kind of challenge you want for their development.’

One of the reasons the FA Youth Cup carries a different buzz is its knockout nature. There is only one chance to progress and every moment matters. It is a format that brings added pressure, intensity and opportunity in equal measure, something Hogan believes is invaluable for player development.

‘I love knockout football, that’s real football for me,’ he explains. ‘You learn so much about the lads when they play under pressure and it helps prepare them for where they want to go in their careers.

‘You can prepare as much as you like, but once the whistle blows, you know within the first five minutes where they’re at. Those early moments tell you a lot about mindset, personality and character.

‘With this group, because they’re so close and they trust each other, they back themselves and their ability. They don’t shy away from the occasion.

‘They’re in a really good place both mentally and football-wise and that gives them a strong platform going into games like this.’

While Hogan works week in, week out with his Under-18 Premier League squad, FA Youth Cup fixtures also see a number of players drop down from the Under-21s age group. Hogan believes their involvement only benefits the group.

‘When the boys who regularly play with the Under-21s come back down, they raise the level straight away,’ he says. ‘Their behaviour is excellent, they’ve got no egos and they elevate everyone around them.

‘That experience - whether it’s playing with older players or in different competitions - helps develop them both physically and mentally. It all feeds into moments like this, where they can show what they’ve learned.

‘Psychologically, it’s a real credit to the group. They slot straight in and it feels like they’ve been playing together for years. When they come in, it only improves standards across the board.’

There will be no shortage of quality on show in Monday’s tie. Chelsea currently sit top of the Under-18 Premier League South table, unbeaten with 10 wins and three draws, while Manchester City also arrive in strong form, having won 12 matches and lost just once.

‘Everyone knows City have a very clear style,’ Hogan continues. ‘They’ve got some excellent individual players, so we’re expecting a tough game. Nothing will come easy.

‘We’ll have to earn the right to win, but we’re at home and we back ourselves at Kingsmeadow. It should be a top game and a really good test for both sides. My message to the players is simple. Be yourselves. Stay hungry. Let’s win together.

‘Playing at Kingsmeadow gives it an extra buzz. Being at home helps, but knockout football is unpredictable. Anything can happen. We just need to go out there, be determined and do our jobs.

‘It would be great to get a strong turn-out, whether that’s season ticket holders, family members or Chelsea supporters, because that atmosphere adds another element. It can really push the boys on and make a difference on the night.

‘We’d really value as much support as possible. A good crowd could make a real difference.’

Get behind the boys!

There is still time to get your tickets for our FA Youth Cup fifth-round clash against Manchester City at Kingsmeadow, kicking off at 7pm on Monday 9 February. Chelsea season ticket holders (for both men’s and women’s teams), members and Under-20s are eligible for a free ticket until midday on Sunday 8 February. General sale tickets are priced at £4.

If you’re unable to attend, the fixture will be streamed live free of charge on the Chelsea Official App and website. Simply head to the homepage shortly before kick-off or follow the match centre below.