Smalling motivated by Mourinho arrival

Smalling made his first appearance of pre-season on Thursday evening, playing the second half as Mourinho's first game in charge ended in a 10-0 win for the Giallorossi.

The pair have worked together before, at Manchester United, and Smalling is adamant the club has found the right man for the job.

"He [Mourinho] is a born winner," Smalling told the BBC.

"He likes to push everyone to the limits. That is what he has done throughout his career and it has reaped results."

He added: "It was quite a surprise to a lot of us, but there was initial excitement from everyone.

"From a personal point of view, it is a good thing because I have played under him. We have won trophies together.

"He made me captain in one of those finals - the 2017 EFL Cup final - as well, so having the chance to play under someone who you know is good, has been so successful and is so determined to win trophies at all costs is a positive.

"I know how big a deal it would be to bring a trophy of some sort to the club. Jose's history shows the club has picked the perfect man to do that."

After an injury-affected 2020-21 campaign, Smalling also confirmed that he is over the worst of his injury problems - and ready to help the team make another leap in quality this term.

"For large parts of the last two seasons, we were very consistent and weren't far off," he added.

"Now it is about having the mentality of making sure when we do go through those tough times, and maybe we aren't quite creating enough chances, we need to stick together.

"Now it is about finding that consistency. Hopefully with Jose and his staff we do that because it is such a great club.

"There is a good feeling around the club. All the foundations are there. It is just a case of bringing it all together now."