Manchester United defender Chris Smalling believes that the club's manager Louis van Gaal takes the pressure off the players with the way he conducts himself.
Van Gaal has been under scrutiny throughout the season due to constant speculation about his future at the club beyond the summer.
United have had a disappointing season in which they remain outside the Premier League's top four, but do have an FA Cup final against Crystal Palace on May 21 to look forward to. And Smalling believes that Van Gaal has had an overall positive influence on the team.
"He [Van Gaal] puts himself forward and takes some of the pressure off us," the England defender told Sky Sports. "There's pressure on us as well, but he's very good at deflecting it because he knows we have to perform on game day."
Smalling has had added responsibility this season, as he has been stand-in captain when Wayne Rooney and Michael Carrick have been absent. But the centre-back, who has been a regular starter with a heavy workload, has enjoyed the role.
"I thrive on it and I like it. Even when you've not got the captain's armband, there's that many eyes on you. At Manchester United, you have to perform."
Smalling has been one of their more consistent and reliable performers for United during this troubled campaign, and was recognised for his efforts when he won the Players' Player of the Year prize at the club's recent awards night.
Huge honour to win this award ���� @ManUtd #MUFCPOTY pic.twitter.com/DKR6lMctLB
- Chris Smalling (@ChrisSmalling) 2 May 2016
The number of "eyes" on the club has also reportedly given concern to Van Gaal. According to the Daily Mail, the United manager is hoping for 26ft-high fences to be built around the pitches at the training ground.
There has already been a revamp of the club's training complex since he arrived two years ago.
Smalling, though, is concentrating on the eyes of his manager and making sure that the Dutchman is impressed by what he sees.
"It's just about repaying him really," Smalling said. "He puts a lot of responsibility on the players and he gives us our tactical knowledge along with the other coaches, but it's that trust to know you're going to be playing and he's going to put that faith in you."