Manchester United defender Chris Smalling met the media a couple hours ago to preview his side’s UEFA Champions League clash at FC Basel tomorrow night, and we have video of the entire session, via YouTube, posted for you below.
A draw or better on Wednesday night in Switzerland and the Red Devils officially clinch passage through to the competition’s round of 16. Smalling discussed a whole host of topics, including first and foremost the conditions of the pitch, which has been a much talked about issue.
“I think it’s hard to know until the game starts tomorrow, but we saw the pitch and it’s been relaid and it looks good,” said Smalling.
“Hopefully it can hold out for the full game tomorrow, and it can be an entertaining game.”
The England international also answered a question about his snub from the national team.
“Was I surprised, yes I was, but you don’t play for one of the biggest clubs in the world as long as I have without being able to do all the things a top defender can do. As a team we have one of the best defensive record this year and I am very proud to be a part of that.
“Whilst I’m playing regularly under Jose, than I am happy enough.”
Smalling also weighed in on United’s attack: “I think it would strike fear into me if I was playing us and I think it strikes fear into most team. We have so many options that no matter what game it is, we have three or four players.”
Match odds: Man Utd 21/20, draw 13/5, FC Basel 10/3
For the Mourinho press conference video, go to this link.
Here is the link to our Man United starting XI prediction. For the injury report, go to this link.
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net and TheBank.News, which is partnered with News Now. Banks, a former writer for the Washington Times, NBC Chicago.com and Chicago Tribune.com, currently contributes regularly to WGN CLTV and the Tribune company’s blogging community Chicago Now.
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