Mexico legends have lined up to criticize El Tri coach Juan Carlos Osorio after recent disappointing performances by the national team, but Cuauhtemoc Blanco is bucking the trend.
Blanco worked under Osorio with the Chicago Fire in 2007 and thinks the Colombian deserves full backing from the media and fans.
"I like him, you [the media] don't like his rotations, but I'll keep on defending him," Blanco told reporters on Sunday. "For me, he's a hard-working coach, a great person and the most important thing is that he gets along with the players."
Mexico defeated El Salvador 3-1 in El Tri's Gold Cup opener on Sunday in San Diego, but Osorio had been severely criticized by the likes of former players Claudio Suarez and Hugo Sanchez following last month's 4-1 defeat to Germany in the Confederations Cup semifinals.
Blanco has been one of a few leading voices in Mexico backing Osorio, despite the former Atletico Nacional coach having a record of 23 wins, five draws and just four losses over his 32 games in charge.
"I'll give him all my trust, [but] I don't know about the [FMF and Liga MX] directors," continued Blanco, who is now a politician in Mexico. "I don't think the pressure is consuming him; making changes is his style. I ask you to let him work, this is a results business."
"If he doesn't get them, he has to go, but he is getting results," added Blanco, who also said he considered Osorio a good friend.
El Tri arrived in Denver on Monday to prepare for its Gold Cup Group C clash against Jamaica on Thursday.