Smalling: Van Gaal Has Improved Me

Smalling: Van Gaal Has Improved Me

Chris Smalling says his vast improvements in 2015 are due to manager Louis van Gaal and his training methods. The defender has been a key player for both United and England this year, having previously played bit-parts in the teams. His rise to form has been incredible since the sending off he received against Manchester City last season, and now the centre back has been rewarded with being made vice-vice captain – behind Wayne Rooney and Michael Carrick.

Speaking exclusively to Sky Sports, Smalling confirmed he had benefited from Van Gaal’s training methods.

“Yeah I think he [Van Gaal] has [improved me], all the coaches I’ve worked with, especially Louis van Gaal, have helped me,” he said.


“We work hard and tirelessly on the training ground with our tactics, we do 11 versus 11s a lot so we know our positions and our roles down to a tee.”

“The repetition has really improved my game and a lot of the other players as well.

“The manager said at the start of the season that once you’ve been with him for six months and got used to the repetition of drills, the tactics and you know your role that we will get better.”

“There has obviously been a lot of ins and outs and, as a group, we’ve stayed very close-knit.”

“Whoever comes in knows their job. We have the training routine and the philosophy of the manager so every player knows what he wants and what he expects of you on the pitch.”

“It’s very clear to us as players what we need to be done come matchday. We started this season a lot better than we did last season and we can see an improvement.”

Smalling has played every minute of United’s eight Premier League and Champions League fixtures so far this season, and captained the side against PSV on Tuesday night – something he relished.

“It’s a great honour.”

“Knowing you’ve got the manager’s trust to lead the team out when Carras [Carrick] and Wazza [Rooney] are not available is nice.”

“It’s nice to know the manager has got that trust in me and I hope to deliver.”

“I’ve really enjoyed it. Considering how last season started, when I was stop-start and didn’t pick up until November where I got a consistent run of games.”

“So to be able to start with a clean bill of health and to have the manager’s faith has given me the confidence to kick on and make sure I have a full season and justify my place.”

[All quotes via Sky Sports]