Julio Cruz, former Bologna striker, shared his thoughts on the current state of the team and their young Argentine talent Santiago Castro in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport. Cruz, now living in Italy, remains closely connected to Bologna and offers both praise and advice for the club.
Cruz began by addressing the team’s recent struggles, emphasizing the need for patience: “Do you want to understand that it takes time? It’s all a process of experience and maturity that needs to be completed. It’s not an easy thing, the double competition.”
He explained that many players are not accustomed to playing in multiple competitions, especially the Champions League. “It’s a first time for everything, and getting used to it, even mentally, is not simple,” Cruz added.
Regarding new coach Vincenzo Italiano, Cruz commends his courage in taking over after Thiago Motta and stresses the importance of the ongoing “cognitive process for everyone and between everyone.”
Cruz reserved special praise for young striker Santiago Castro: “He’s twenty years old, he almost seems like an adult to me.” He highlights Castro’s character, ability to fight on the pitch, and goal-scoring prowess, noting his impressive development since arriving in January.
On the upcoming Aston Villa match, Cruz remained optimistic: “Anything can happen, let’s not think Bologna is doomed. Because sooner or later, the processes have a decisive surge.”
He drew a parallel with Atalanta’s growth, suggesting Bologna could follow a similar path: “Look at Atalanta: it all happened little by little, but now it’s a stable certainty in our football and also in European football.”
Cruz concluded with a message of hope for both the team and the city: “Bologna has values and high-level players. And it must experience Champions League as a maturation process: everything is needed, growth will come when you least expect it. And a good result would also be a smile for what Bologna city is experiencing…”
