Rodrigo Becao spoke exclusively to Udinese TV from the club’s pre-season training base in Austria on Thursday.
Check out what the Brazilian had to say below…
Rodrigo, we’re halfway through the first week here in Austria. How have the pre-season preparations gone so far?
It’s been good to get together. It’s much easier to do it here in Austria, because of the cooler temperatures. Given the way we’re training, I’m confident we’ll have a good season. I think we’re going to get some good results.
Pre-season is always an opportunity to try out new things. You played with a back four in the first friendly – how did you find that? Is that something you’ve continued to work on in training?
As you’ve said, we tried it out. It’s not easy to just switch system but if the coach wants to change the system or have that system ready, I think we’ll be able to do a good job of it. A few teething problems are to be expected, because we’ve never played that way before. That said, if we work hard at it we can do well.
You’re about to embark on your third season with Udinese and you’re seen as one of the most reliable and experienced players. Do you feel like part of the spine of the team going into the new campaign?
I get a lot of support from my team-mates and I try to give that back to them in return. We work together as a team – we always say we’re like a family. I feel important and I enjoy being here at Udinese. I want to have another good season and improve.
There is a good group of Brazilians here at the training camp. Does having that group of compatriots help things to flow more easily?
Yeah, well when we speak in our language we get each other straight away. We all try to help each other out. It’s easier if I look to my left or right and see Samir, who’s been here for years.
Our newest signing, goalkeeper Marco Silvestri, has been one of the best in Serie A in recent seasons. What are your first impressions of him?
It’s always good when we make that kind of signing. Having played against Silvestri, I know he’s a great keeper. When you look behind yourself and see a keeper like that, it makes it easier. If we work together I’m sure we’ll have a great season.”