Pierpaolo Marino discussed the renewal of Andrea Sottil and the contract situation of various players as he chatted to Udinese TV on Monday.
Speaking on the weekly Udinese Tonight show, the technical director began: “The decision to stick with Sottil was the right one and taken at the right time, which is key for planning and continuity. Udinese always plan in advance and without wanting to blow our own trumpet it is thanks to our organisation as a club and our owners' ability to spend that we are able to land our targets. That is why we have already signed and announced some important players for next season.
“There's an open dialogue with [Roberto] Pereyra because he's always had an excellent relationship with us and his performances are top level. He's currently considering his options and we're prepared for any outcome. We're not thinking about the financial loss – as his contract is expiring but the big technical loss his departure would entail. We'll be ready whatever decision he makes and we'll thank him in any case.
“Beto has a big reputation in Europe and several foreign clubs are interested in him. I think he's a player with huge margin for improvement. The Pozzo family are in a solid position and don't have a desperate need to sell. We're ready for if he leaves but we're also ready to keep him with us.
“As for [Rodrigo] Becao, we're surprised that he hasn't sat down to discuss a new contract with us. We've been trying to begin talks with him for several weeks. We're looking at the right way to go about it but if we're not able to then we'll have to consider what would be a very painful sale for an appropriate amount as he only has a year left on his contract.
“[Lazaar] Samardzic is a player in demand. He's a modern attacking midfielder who can operate in the hole as well, incredibly skilful with an eye for goal. He could command a very high fee but we're able to keep him with us for another year given the excellent relations we have with him.