Valentin Castellanos opened up about the trust shown by Lazio, the pressures of replacing Ciro Immobile and the new system under Marco Baroni.
The Biancocelesti said farewell to their captain earlier this month after a deal was agreed with Besiktas, ending an historic eight-year relationship. Immobile was a central figure for the club, becoming their all-time top scorer and helping them to win three trophies.
Lazio are in the process of starting a new cycle under Baroni and have already been active in the summer transfer window, signing Loum Tchaouna, Tijjani Noslin, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and Nuno Tavares. Gaetano Castrovilli is also expected to arrive imminently.
Speaking to Sky Sports Italia (via La Lazio Siamo Noi), Castellanos first discussed his debut season with Lazio and the trust shown by the club.
Last year was a complicated year because I played less than I did at Girona, but I felt good with the trust of Ciro and the coaches. Now a new adventure begins, I’m focused and ready to do well here and train hard. The club’s trust was important to me.
He commented on how it feels to take over from Immobile.
The pressure is always there. Doing a good job for the team but for me playing more will be important for my confidence and for the team.
Castellanos was asked if he could score double figures next season and spoke about his work with Baroni.
My goal is to play, I haven’t set personal goals. Of course, goals are important for a striker but what matters is helping the team. Baroni is a coach who knows a lot and is important and is giving me a lot of trust. He asks me to work a lot for the team.
We are a young squad, but we know that this club must always win, match after match. The important thing will be to always work together in the league, in the Coppa Italia and in Europe.
He touched on his desire to play for the Argentina national team.
The dream of playing with Argentina is always there. I have to work harder and better. And for me this year will be very important because it would be wonderful to wear that shirt.
Finally, Castellanos discussed his relationship with Immobile.
I messaged him, we spoke to each other. He helped me a lot and gave me a lot of advice. For us young players, it’s important to listen to someone who has made history.
