)
In the wake of Jose Mourinho's departure from AS Roma, one of the Special One's former players in the capital has hit out at statements made by the former Chelsea, Real Madrid and Manchester United boss
Chris Smalling, the former Manchester United centre-half and current AS Roma player, has responded to Jose Mourinho's criticism regarding his ability to play through pain.
)
17:06 - 17.01.2024
Tearful Mourinho Says Goodbye to Roma as Club appoint Legend as New Manager
Jose Mourinho was in tears as his tenure at Roma came to an abrupt end on Tuesday morning, following a series of disappointing results that left the team struggling in Serie A.
)
11:40 - 16.01.2024
José Mourinho: 5 reasons AS Roma sacked The Special One
Jose Mourinho's time at Roma ends with a lot of murmuring and objection, but it was the right decision to sack the Special One
This response comes after Mourinho, who was recently sacked as Roma manager, publicly questioned Smalling's pain threshold. Mourinho had made similar remarks during their time together at Manchester United, as per Daily Mail
Chris Smalling's Response to Mourinho's Criticisms
In a detailed Instagram post, Smalling addressed these criticisms. He clarified that he never considered leaving AS Roma and emphasized his commitment to the club, despite his prolonged absence due to a knee injury. Smalling has been out of action for about four-and-a-half months due to a persistent knee problem.
)
He denied reports suggesting that he had gone against medical recommendations, refused surgery or painkillers, or requested to leave Roma. Instead, Smalling stated that he has always prioritized the needs of his teammates and the club, and that he has been following the advice of medical specialists, which did not include surgery as an option.
Smalling's Stance on Working with Mourinho
Smalling also reflected on his past experiences with Mourinho, noting that the coach had previously criticized him for allegedly being unwilling to play through pain. Back in November 2016, while Mourinho was the manager at Manchester United, he commented on Smalling's reluctance to play with pain, only for it to later emerge that Smalling had a broken toe.
)
Despite these past criticisms, Smalling expressed a positive outlook on working with Mourinho again at Roma prior to the manager's sacking. He acknowledged Mourinho's drive to push players to their limits and recognized the manager's successful career, indicating a readiness to move past their history.
)
This situation highlights the complex dynamics between players and managers, especially when it comes to handling injuries and player fitness. Smalling's response seems to aim at clearing up misconceptions about his injury situation and his dedication to his team, while also addressing the public criticism from his former manager.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)