Chris Smalling Interview - The Chance & 2012/13 Season
We caught up with a man who's becoming a bit of a regular on SoccerBible, to hear his thoughts ahead of 'The Chance' Global Finals and of course ahead of Manchester United's 2012/13 Premier League season. Chris Smalling's path to becoming a Premier League and International footballer hasn't followed the normal route, and has given Chris a slightly different perspective on the game...
In under two and a half years, Chris has risen from non-league Maidstone United to Manchester United. SoccerBible caught up with the England defender at United s Academy in Carrington after he had spent time training with the three UK finalists of Nike s The Chance.
Smalling made his full International debut in September 2011 against Bulgaria. Injury cut short his United League campaign and he missed out on representing his country at Euro 2012 and the Olympics. Chris spoke to SoccerBible about The Chance and also told us of his determination to be fit and available for the new season at Old Trafford.
Tell us about the training session you shared with the three UK finalists of The Chance. Did you pass on anything specific to them?
Chris Smallin We did some drills with a United coach. I think that will be really good for them. They are already very good players. I wanted to pass on how it is for me up against some of the players here, how they react to certain situations and how they turn to make things difficult for defenders.
The finalists have enjoyed a yoga session. Is yoga something you and your team-mates are keen on?
CS: The lads thought yoga would be something that older players do. But a lot of us young ones do it now. It helps keep us in shape! I tried it for the first time toward the end of last year and it was a lot better than I expected. It s a good exercise for your core and overall stretching.
Ryan Giggs enjoys his yoga. He's a real legend and any pointers you can pick up from him is a good thing.
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Are there any players at Old Trafford that you look up to as role models?
It s about that for the lads in The Chance too. It s a big opportunity for them to be seen. |
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Have you set any personal goals for the new season?
CS: At the minute, it s just about getting fit. At the end of last year I took a knock in a Swansea game and that derailed my summer a little. I m on the way to recovery. I should be ready for the start of the season.
With your England call-up last season, what has Roy Hogson said to you?
CS: Making my England debut last season was great. Roy spoke to me about my injury which unfortunately was not the greatest timing. He spoke about the importance of getting fit for the new season. I know there's a busy International schedule. I m confident that if I can stay fit, I can have an impact.
Did you manage to have a any time off pre-season to relax despite your injuries?
CS: I was at the training ground most of the time during the close season. I wanted to make sure that by the time the lads arrived back, I would be raring to go. Luckily that's paid off.
Is there an additional motivation for United this year after the events of the two final minutes of last year's Premier League season?
CS: The hunger is always there, but the way it ended and who it went to is going to drive us on that another notch. We're as hungry as ever to make sure we come back with at least one or two trophies.
The Chance Finalists have been living like professional footballers. We d like to know what life is like for you off the field. Do you ever play as yourself as FIFA?
CS: I play FIFA non-stop. If I play as Man Utd, I always make sure I'm in the team at centre back - there's Rio, Vidic and everyone, but I have to make room for myself! I often go on long runs up the field and pop up with a few goals. This is something I'm hoping to replicate in real life soon.
What car are you driving at the moment
CS: I've got a Porsche Cayenne. It's black with silver trim.
Do you have a favourite watch?
CS: When Paul Scholes had his testimonial, he gave us each a red and black Breitling watch which is something I really like.
Where s your favourite place in the world for a holiday?
CS: Jamaica. You can have a lot of fun with the watersports, or you can chill on the beaches!
Where are you living at the moment, is it close to your team-mates?
CS: I live in Bowdon, Cheshire. A lot of the younger lads live quite close. It s good for when new lads come because we're all in the same area. I've got a cinema screen for playing FIFA and watching films, so a lot of us will often be stuck in that room playing FIFA.
SoccerBible will be in attendance to keep you updated with news of the Global Final and how the UK contestants fair up against the World s brightest football talents. It's the chance of a lifetime, let us know what you think and join the conversation online, on Twitter and on Facebook.
