'Bagged' Nelsen wins coach's support

Ryan Nelsen has been defended by his Olympic Games coach after being "bagged'' for his views on New Zealand Football and the Wellington Phoenix stymying the development of young players.

Nelsen made the claims in an interview with Fairfax New Zealand last week after captaining the Oly-Whites to a 1-1 draw with China on their Olympic Games debut.

His comments drew flak from Phoenix chief executive Tony Pignata and New Zealand Football officials.

The Blackburn Rovers captain played against China and Brazil before returning to his club to prepare for the start of the new English premier league season.

Oly-Whites coach Stu Jacobs said he received a telephone message of support from Nelsen before the 0-1 loss to Belgium which saw the Oly-Whites dip out on a quarterfinals place.

Jacobs did not comment on Nelsen's claims but said he wanted people to know the All Whites centreback had been a model professional with the New Zealand Olympic team and had not sought special treatment.

"Ryan's taken a fair bagging, right or wrong, after the article in the papers at home. All I want to say is that Ryan Nelsen was exceptional for us. He's been an absolute privilege to have in the camp. His performance against China highlighted why he's playing in the premier league, and off the park he was an absolute gentleman among the kids.

"He wasn't imposing, he was really inclusive and I think it was fantastic that he was able to play for us.''

Nelsen, 30, was one of three over-age players in the Oly-Whites under-23 squad, along with fellow All Whites Simon Elliott, 34, and Chris Killen, 26.

"The same goes for Simon and Killie, they were absolutely fantastic people to deal with too,'' said Jacobs.

"I  thought Simon was really good against Belgium. It was tough for him and Cole (Peverley) in the middle of the park at times, but he was outstanding.  Things didn't fall for Chris Killen up front, but you can't fault his work-rate in the top third (of the field).''

- © Fairfax NZ News