He has experienced many difficult moments. However, his Lazio has not experienced seasons like the current one. Felipe Caicedo It took him a while to settle into Rome. In his first season with the Biancoceleste (2017-18) there were more missed goals (two sensational goals in a match against Crotone which cost them qualification for the Champions League) than those scored. However, he rolled up his sleeves and, over time, managed to conquer those fans who initially booed him. “Everyone has made mistakes this season – explains Caicedo -. It is not possible to see Lazio so low in the standings and far from the Champions League zone. But let’s wait to make judgements…”.
What does he mean?
“Lazio is in the running for the Europa League and still has to play the second leg of the Coppa Italia semi-final against Juventus. The balance must be made at the end.”
Are you surprised by Felipe Anderson’s decision?
“I think he decided to return to Brazil for his family. He is a golden boy, with a heart. So he will have had an impact. But I am convinced that he will give his best until the end. Of course, replacing him will be a problem.”
Luis Alberto also asked to be sold and other players seem ready to leave: how do you explain this?
“In my time, Lazio was considered a point of arrival, no one wanted to leave. In football, however, cycles end and things change quickly. However, these are players who have given a lot to both Lazio and the fans.”
Is it possible that in Rome the players don’t have the perception that they can grow?
“In recent years the team has done well, finishing second in the league and in the round of 16 in the Champions League. To raise the level we would need the right ideas and significant financial availability.”
What are your thoughts on Castellanos?
“He seems like a good player to me. He has technique, moves a lot and is strong in tackling. The first year is difficult for everyone. We’ll see if he becomes a 15-20 goal striker.”
Do you think it’s time to separate from Immobile?
“Ciro must be treated with the utmost respect. He is going through a difficult moment, but the criticism has been excessive. I would always aim for it. He will be the one to understand when it will be right to leave Lazio.”
However, a revolution is expected in the summer…
“I have doubts. We’re talking about important players who should be replaced with people of the same level. It’s not easy, you have to invest a lot and well.”
Do you have any young attackers to point out?
“I like Kendry Paez a lot, but he’s from Chelsea now. Seeing Allen Obando at Lazio would be interesting. Ecuadorian striker from 2006. For me he has a great future”
