Sydney FC’s George Blackwood says coach Graham Arnold instils confidence in his young players

AFTER just his second start in the A-League, Sydney FC forward George Blackwood wants to earn more of the currency he believes is the key to success — confidence.

George Blackwood during a Sydney FC training session at Macquarie University Sports Field,North Ryde .Picture Gregg Porteous

AFTER just his second start in the A-League, Sydney FC forward George Blackwood wants to earn more of the currency he believes is the key to success — confidence.

The 18-year-old started for the Sky Blues on Saturday in the 4-1 win over the Mariners, given a spot on the right of Sydney’s attack in the suspended absence of Filip Holosko as Graham Arnold’s side finally turned chances into goals.

Though Blackwood didn’t score, and is likely to be replaced by Holosko this weekend against Melbourne City, the young striker — highly rated by Arnold — said the experience had added another lesson to his education as a footballer.

“Arnie gave me a chance and I really want to repay him,” Blackwood said. “I just want to keep improving and getting as many minutes as I can. Minutes under my belt can only help, especially in a squad like this where the older players are very good with us young boys.

“It’s a lot different starting a game, when you come off the bench everything is a bit frantic. “This time I was able to get a few early touches and my confidence grew as the game went on.”

That word confidence cropped up time and again from Blackwood, as he explained what Arnold offered the youngsters he has blooded in the past year. Sydney had two 18-year-olds in Blackwood and Alex Gersbach, and two 20-year-olds in Brandon O’Neill and Andrew Hoole, as part of the starting XI against the Mariners.

“Arnie’s very good with the young players in terms of giving us confidence,” Blackwood said. “’Gers’ is having an even better season this year and even ‘Hooley’ is starting to come to the party now. You can tell how much confidence the coach instils in his young players by the way they express themselves.

“The senior boys are good too, I think we have a very good team culture. Everything came together against the Mariners but there’s still room for improvement and we could have scored a few more goals.”

Originally published as Sydney FC’s George Blackwood says coach Graham Arnold instils confidence in his young players