Graham Arnold brings Sydney FC together in search of silverware

AS Sydney FC break records and rival teams in equal measure, coach Graham Arnold is building a culture for today’s favourites and the stars of tomorrow.

Sydney FC players (l-r) Alex Brosque, Rhyan Grant and Michael Zullo mix with members of the under-18 squad as part of a bonding session after training at Macquarie Park.

AS his side break records and opposing teams in equal measure, Sydney FC boss Graham Arnold is building a club culture like no other and a pathway to generate success — for today’s favourites and the stars of tomorrow.

“I won’t be happy until we are perfect; we’re good but I want us to be great,” Arnold insists.

On the one hand he is talking about the first team’s A-League campaign so far but the same applies to his vision for the club as a whole.

BULUT FIRED: Wanderers give Kerem the flick

MASTER CLASS: Victory destroy Mariners

As his table-topping outfit looks to make it 13 games unbeaten on Friday night against second-placed Brisbane Roar, the Sky Blues coach is adamant success is about far more than simply first-team results.

The youngsters in the club’s academy are just as important to Arnold as the more familiar faces and he is at pains to bring the whole Sky Blue “family” together to further strengthen the bond he so believes in.

Sydney FC players (l-r) Alex Brosque, Rhyan Grant and Michael Zullo mix with members of the under-18 squad as part of a bonding session after training at Macquarie Park.

Academy youngsters and first-team players recently had lunch together — not the first time such a gathering has taken place.

“The importance of culture is something I’ve stressed since the start (of my time here),” Arnold said. “We are fortunate in having a generous owner and chairman who support that vision.

“I believe having that pathway for players is crucial. That pathway is now set.

“It’s there for young players, they can see that through their dedication, and hard work, their motivation and drive that they could one day be doing what the senior guys have done. The opportunity is there.”

Sydney FC coach Graham Arnold recently re-signed for another two seasons.

While Arnold hopes some of the youngsters will indeed make the leap one day, the immediate focus is the clash with the Roar.

A win would open up a 12-point gap on John Aloisi’s men. These sides met in a rather spicy encounter in November, a 1-1 draw ending FC’s 100 per cent start to the season. The match had a State of Origin feel with the hosts wearing Maroon shirts for the night.

“It’s great to be back at Allianz (Stadium), Arnold said. “It’s been a month since we played there.”

Having demolished Adelaide United 4-0 on Boxing Day, confidence is high but Arnold insists there is more to do.

“There are always areas to improve on, Arnold said. “Look, we’re expecting a tough game and we need to be right.”

And while others talk about Sydney’s “Invincibles-style” run and the prospect of going the season unbeaten, Arnold is taking nothing for granted. There are no trophies in the cabinet at this stage of the campaign.

Set pieces are one area where Arnold will be looking for improvement against Roar. Despite a flurry of goals scored inside the opposing penalty area through open play, just one set piece has delivered a goal.

Arnold stresses “delivery and organisation” are key in improving that particular statistic — but those two words equally seem to apply to so much more than set pieces in Arnold’s world.