“Fascinated by the prospect”
Hertha’s new signing Valentino Lazaro speaks in his first interview with the club about his move and his objectives with the Blue-Whites.
Another talent has made the move to Hertha BSC. Valentino Lazaro joins the spree of new signings and the Austria international has plenty of experience despite being just 21 years of age. Quick, skillful and versatile going forward – a footballer who suits head coach Pál Dárdai perfectly.
Once pen had been put to paper, herthabsc.de spoke with Valentino Lazaro about his transfer, role models and his objectives with the club in the German capital.
herthabsc.de: A warm welcome to Berlin, Valentino! What swayed you to join Hertha?
Valentino Lazaro: I am extremely happy that this transfer has gone through. It has dragged on a little bit over the past few weeks. The crucial factor in me making this step were my conversations with Michael Preetz and Pál Dárdai, who convinced me from day one that Hertha was the club to go to, so this decision was not a difficult decision for me at all.
herthabsc.de: What was it that really did it for you?
Lazaro: I get an impression my counterparts relative quickly and with Pál Dárdai and Michael Preetz, I got the feeling pretty quickly that they really wanted to bring me to Berlin. I was fascinated by the prospect of it straight away and got a positive feeling about a possible move.
herthabsc.de: What ideas did the coach tell you about? How is he planning to fit you in?
Lazaro: Pál Dárdai introduced some of his ideas to me which I liked and took in. I am looking forward to training with the team when I am fit again. I want to find my role and position in the team so that I can help the team as best as possible.
herthabsc.de: How much did you want to switch from the Austrian Bundesliga to the Bundesliga here in Germany?
Lazaro: The Bundesliga is one of the best leagues in the world. It was clear to me that I wanted to take the next step after last season. The German league is where many young Austrian players want to get to, that is no secret. When I then heard about Hertha’s interest, I knew immediately that I wanted to be a part of it.
herthabsc.de: For all those who don’t know you, what do people need to know about Valentino Lazaro as a player?
Lazaro: I think my strengths are my pace and my ability in a one-on-one. Essentially I do a lot of running, both going forward and getting back. At least that is what my previous coaches have all thought and I want to bring that to Hertha. My goal is to develop a chemistry on the pitch with the boys where everyone feels comfortable. I improved my goalscoring towards the end of last season but I believe that I can still be more dangerous in front of goal.
herthabsc.de: You will start with the number 20 shirt on your back. Does the number have a particular significance for you?
Lazaro: I was number 10 at my former club but that is already taken at Hertha BSC. When I saw that 20 was free, I pounced immediately (laughs).
What was said
[>]I want to find my role and position in the team so that I can help the team as best as possible.[<]
herthabsc.de: Do you have a role model?
Lazaro: Ronaldinho was my biggest idol during my childhood and he still he is today. When I watch videos of him, he is the player who still makes me smile. Of course Messi and Ronaldo are top players and they are currently the guys who dominate. You can definitely learn things from watching them that you can use in your own game.
herthabsc.de: Are there also players who you have played with, that you have taken a lot from as well?
Lazaro: When I made my debut with the national team at the age of 18, I got to know David Alaba. He is a good friend of mine. You can always learn a lot from a player at that level in training but you also have to know your own strengths and qualities. You need to be able to display those to find your own style.
herthabsc.de: Have you already had any contact with your new team?
Lazaro: I still don’t know the team personally but having had an outside view into things, I am really looking forward to meeting everyone. I am excited for my first day when all the guys meet for the first time and then I can get to know them personally. That is the good thing in football. When you play together, you get to know each other much quicker. I’m excited to see how they integrate me.
herthabsc.de: What impression have you got of your new home, Berlin?
Lazaro: I have already been to Berlin three or four times. My first time was the Champions League final between Barcelona and Juventus. I really fell in love with the stadium there. The Olympiastadion is something special. That is what I am looking forward to the most, playing in front of those fans.
herthabsc.de: How is your schedule looking for the next few days and weeks?
Lazaro: First and foremost, I want to get 100% fit. I will speak with the physio and slowly increase my work load. Of course I am buzzing for the first sessions with the team on the training pitch. I’ll get to know the boys then and put in everything to try and find myself a place in the starting XI and to go into the new season having fun. We have goals that we want to achieve, both domestically and in the Europa League.