MARCO HOPEFUL OF 2015/16 IMPROVEMENT

MARCO HOPEFUL OF 2015/16 IMPROVEMENT

Goalkeeper reflects on his debut season at Elland Road...

Marco Silvestri was satisfied with his first season at Elland Road and believes 2015/16 will see the team continue to improve as a result of their experiences during the last campaign.

The 24-year-old arrived from Italian outfit Chievo last July and soon demonstrated why United had pursued his services with a string of stunning displays between the sticks.

He ended the season with 44 appearances to his name – the most of any United player last term – and found himself among the top five shortlisted for the Player of the Year award.

“I’m very happy,” said Marco, reflecting on his own campaign. “I don’t think we’ve had a great season but it’s not easy when there are a lot of new players. I think next year we can do a lot better.

“Personally, I’m happy because I’ve played in most the matches and I think I had a good season.”

The Italian earned plenty of plaudits, too, with several Man of the Match awards, inclusions in the Football League Team of the Week and a nomination for February’s Player of the Month all providing recognition for his heroics between the sticks.

And Marco thinks his experiences this campaign will serve him well for 2015/16.

“The Championship has been a surprise for me. It’s long, hard and very difficult,” he explained.

“Next season, I think I will be more prepared for this."

On settling into the city, Marco added: “Life in Leeds is good. Me and my wife feel at home here.

“We love the city and the fans. I’m happy about that. The atmosphere at Elland Road is amazing, beautiful.”

Asked what his personal highlight of the season has been, Marco opted for February’s Man-of-the-Match winning display in the 1-0 victory away to promotion-chasing Middlesbrough.

“I think the match against Middlesbrough, away. It was a very good match,” he said.

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