Inter CEO Beppe Marotta expects that it won’t be too long before the Nerazzurri agree a new contract with defender Milan Skriniar.

Speaking to Italian news outlet DAZN, as reported by FCInterNews, the CEO expressed confidence that a contract extension will be agreed with the Slovakian within the next few weeks, and also spoke about the importance of recovering from recent setbacks in Serie A.

Inter have now been in contract talks with Skriniar and his representatives for a couple weeks, and the feeling is that they do not want to waste any time in finding an agreement on a new deal.

The 27-year-old is a vital player at the back, and losing him on a free transfer next summer would represent a major blow for the team.

However, for his part, Marotta is feeling fairly confident that an agreement will be found without too much delay to secure Skriniar’s future.

“I’m very optimistic,” he said when asked about finding an agreement with Skriniar.

“We’re dealing with a serious professional who loves the shirt,” he said of the 27-year-old.

“Just as he has every reason to claim what is owed to him financially, Piero Ausilio and I will meet with his agent in the next few days to continue negotiations that have been very calm.”

“We want the negotiations to reach a positive conclusion, and I’m very optimistic,” he continued, “even if I don’t know whether it will be done before Sunday when we break for the World Cup.”

“I think that within the next few weeks we’ll reach the conclusion,” the CEO said.

Of the need to be at their best in the next two Serie A matches before the break, Marotta said that “All matches are very difficult, and they’re delicate, in terms of taking points and ensuring consistency.”

“The coach will have to reflect and analyze, and find the right way to remedy this position we find ourselves in in the table.”

“But at the same time we’re confident because we have a good coach, everyone is working well, and the player’s are giving a good response.”

“The season is unusual given the break, but we will have to give the right response in the last couple matches,” he said.

The CEO stressed that “We always have to give more, every match is a test, and every time you pass one, another one immediately comes after it.”

“Respect for the shirt is of the utmost importance,” Marotta said, “which goes beyond the technical-tactical side of things, and the aspect of motivation.”

“Football is a team sport, and everyone has to push in the same direction.”

“There’s total harmony between the club, the team, and the coach, and now we need to show courage and find consistent results.”