LOS ANGELES FOOTBALL CLUB MEDIA CONFERENCE

September 29, 2021

Jamal Blackman

Press Conference

Portland 2, LAFC 1

Q. What are your thoughts on your first match with LAFC?

JAMAL BLACKMAN: I think the first half we were doing well. I think we all created chances, were getting crosses. I think the team were playing well. We were solid. Just unfortunate to give away the first goal. I think it's just a hard place to come from.

Obviously coming to the team and trying to catch up to speed, I think could have gone better with the goal. As a team, the first half, we did really well.

Q. Bob Bradley was just saying about what the message was in the locker room about not giving up; so how are you as players taking in that message?

JAMAL BLACKMAN: I think we've heard that quite loud where all together we know we still have a lot of games left and we still have an opportunity to make the playoffs. We need to stick together and we know the games we need to get the wins, and obviously do the best we can but ultimately stay together for the team.

Q. Being out there on the field with the team for the first time, what did you see and what does the team need to do better to clean up those little mistakes that keep hurting the team?

JAMAL BLACKMAN: I think we're at a point where we're doing well and the team are together. As long as we keep playing together, we keep trying to do the right things, I think the confidence grows, and I think that's going to help us to go forward and to get the points and to push for the wins.

Q. How challenging is it for you personally to come into the team and debut towards the end of the season when there's a very slim margin of error and a situation where the team is pushing to get to the playoffs?

JAMAL BLACKMAN: I think it's obviously good in my career. I want to try and come and help and do as much as I can for the team. I think coming with a lot of experience, I want to be able to help the team and push the team to go forward. I think we've got a great team. We've got great people who all together are trying to win the games and trying to do the best that we can.

Q. How comfortable did you feel out there, especially playing behind that back 3-4-5, whatever you want to call it?

JAMAL BLACKMAN: Felt really comfortable. Been training with the team. I felt that everyone's welcomed me really quickly and easily. Everyone's been quite together as well. So I think it's been easy for me to integrate with the team. The goalkeepers have been great with me as well and the staff as well.

I think it's a great team where everyone can come in -- is in a position where anyone comes into a position in the team and they know what they need it do and they know what the game plan is. I think that's the most important thing.

Q. Your first home game. What was your impression of the supporters, LAFC 3252?

JAMAL BLACKMAN: Yeah, great atmosphere, they didn't stop from the first minute to the last minute. Great fan base. Unbelievable atmosphere. You can tell the fans stood behind all the players and the staff, and I think that's a great thing where they know we're a good team and can get to places.