Jeremy Brockie has backed Ryan Nelsen to lead Toronto FC out of the mire after a tough beginning to life as a coach.
The former New Zealand, Blackburn Rovers, Tottenham and QPR defender sees the Canadian club placed second bottom in MLS standings after winning just one game from 12 but forward Brockie, on loan from A-League club Wellington Phoenix, feels the ex-central defender has the strength of character to recoil from this.
"He's definitely the man for the job," Brockie told MLSsoccer.com.
"He played for New Zealand for a long time and we were usually under the pump in previous years. He always keeps a good changing room together and a positive and confident mood throughout the boys. At the end of the day, it is us who take to the field that have to try and get the points.
"Ryan is a great leader and was always very professional during his playing days. With New Zealand he was always an inspiration in the changing room right before you were about to go out and play with him. It is the same thing now - he sends out positive messages and keeps the belief going throughout the squad and we just have to ride on that."
Toronto, who have lost their past five league matches, take on Philadelphia Union at BMO Field this Saturday.
