Whitecaps players back head coach Carl Robinson for 2016 success

The Vancouver Whitecaps have yet to win the MLS Cup, but under head coach Carl Robinson, the players believe anything is possible.

Robinson, who replaced Martin Rennie as gaffer of the club in 2013, enters his third full season at the helm of the Whitecaps with the full support of his players.

"For me, Robbo is the heart of the team," Vancouver captain Pedro Morales told reporters. "He's the ideal person for this club and our progress."

Added defender Jordan Harvey: "You have coaches that could tell you one thing, do another. Robbo has always said what he means and means what he says. That open-door policy isn’t just something he says. It’s very true. He's going to give you his honest opinion and as a player that’s all you can ask for."

Since taking over in December 2013, Robinson has procured a 28-21-19 record, winning 41 percent of his matches in league play. Having been with the club as an assistant coach first, Robinson stepped into the role knowing what he needed to do, and, more importantly, what he needed to change.

"Being an (assistant) coach is nice, being a head coach is difficult because suddenly you become the bad guy," Robinson said. "My mantra is there’s no bad guy in this. We’re trying to base decisions on the best interests of the football club.

"I've had some good friends here that I've had to let go or move on for certain reasons. It's not easy, but I've been totally honest with them. It's about being honest and up front with people because you'll gain the respect of people if you're honest."