Hellas Verona coach Andrea Mandorlini has revealed he will sign a contract to remain at the Gialloblu despite being linked with a role at Serie A rivals Lazio.
Mandorlini has enjoyed a successful spell at the helm of Verona guiding them from Serie C to a mid-table Serie A after falling away from Europa League contention in recent weeks.
“I have not physically signed a contract but by Wednesday we will have an official renewal,” the 53-year-old revealed during an interview with Lunedì nel Pallone.
“I really believe in this project and we have had a great season.
“Next season our goal will always be survival and our mindset should not change.
“This year we managed to achieve this well in advance but survival will always be the goal.
“Did we concede too many goals? Last year we had the best defence, however, this season we focused more on individuality.
“We have integrated various new players including Marques and Pillud but next year we will have to defend better.”
Mandorlini went on to discuss his highlights of an eventful season with Verona.
“My favourite moment is Juanito’s goal in stoppage time against Juventus but everything has been above expectation as we have blooded some young players and revived some not so young,” Mandorlini joked.
“I would like to have Tachtsidis back next year but after the departure of Jorginho we struggled to replace him.
“I would like to congratulate Donadel and Cirigliano and how the stepped up as it was not easy.
“I am also glad there will be the opportunity for two more derbies next season.”
Mandorlini concluded the interview by discussing the club’s forwards which excelled this season with Romulo, Juan Iturbe and Luca Toni.
“Toni has performed excellently and is back to himself after his spell in Florence, he has features I really like.
“The chemistry between Toni, Romulo and Iturbe has been fantastic, I am just sorry for Cacia as we have had little space for him despite the 24 goals he scored last season.”
Mandorlini previously had spells coaching Siena, CFR Cluj and Sassuolo before taking charge of the Gialloblu in 2010.
