Berardi signs new Leeds deal and admits ‘everything is good’

Gaetano Berardi: Has signed deal with Leeds until 2018

Gaetano Berardi: Has signed deal with Leeds until 2018

Gaetano Berardi has expressed his happiness after signing a two-year extension to his contract, keeping him at Leeds United until 2018.

The Swiss right-back, whose previous deal was set to expire next summer, took time to settle at Elland Road but has signed a new deal on the back of a strong start to the Championship season.

Berardi – signed by United from Sampdoria in 2014 – has played regularly under head coach Uwe Rosler having stepped in and out of Leeds’ line-up during his first season with the club.
Rosler chose to rest him in Saturday’s 2-1 victory over MK Dons, saying he “wanted to refresh” Berardi after a tough week.

Berardi told the club’s official website: “I’m very happy here. The city and everything is very good.

“We are a team this season after many changes last season. We are a very good group together. That is important.”

Speaking to the Yorkshire Evening Post last month, the 27-year-old admitted that his early months with Leeds had been taxing and complicated by two red cards in his first four appearances for the club.

The Championship is difficult,” he said. “If you’re in good condition, Italian players (foreign players) can play without a problem. If you don’t have good condition then it’s very difficult. I’ve improved my running, my mentality and physically.

“When we started pre-season, (Rosler) told me I have to put in everything every day. I needed more power, more conditioning. And I feel good.

“I’m calmer now because I’m playing at right-back, in my position. I’m there every game and I need to stay in this position.”