- West Ham take on Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Monday night
- Valentin Castellanos netted two in the Hammers last game
- The forward says the team is full of confidence
West Ham United are determined to take another huge step forward as they head to Selhurst Park on Monday night. Nuno Espirito Santo’s team are currently two points above the Premier League’s bottom three after a 4-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers but know their work is far from done.
Valentin Castellanos, who scored two goals in the West Ham win, knows it is all about confidence with this team. Speaking to the club’s official website, the Argentinian outlined how important it was for the side to put on the performance they did.
“It felt really good. The confidence that winning brings is so important for the team. The atmosphere in training is really good which means you work much better during the week.
“Obviously, on a personal level, I’m happy that I was able to help the team, which was the most important thing.
“I felt I’d been working really hard in the last few matches and the goals just weren’t coming. But anyway, I know that strikers go through that sometimes, there are runs where you just don’t score. But the important thing is that I feel good because I’m working really hard, and that’s what matters
“What the manager asks of me, what my teammates ask of me, what the team asks of me, I work for that, and the goals are the result of that work. And then it was a lovely feeling out on the pitch; I think we experienced something really special after those quick goals.
“I’m also very happy because my mum, who travelled from Mendoza, and my girlfriend were there. I really enjoyed it with them. We just need to keep this run going.”
Positivity the message at West Ham
Every game is absolutely huge for West Ham, with six games left of the Premier League season. Castellanos knows this and acknowledges every game is difficult but that positivity is the message from the coaching staff.
“You always feel different after getting a positive result.
“There are now six finals left that are very important for us. So, we just have to give it our all. We’re on a good streak at the moment, and we need to keep that mindset to stay on top.
“It’s a tough match, just like any other. They’re a strong side at home too, but we’re feeling confident.
“We’ve got a squad where everyone’s fit, and that’s important. Confidence is key. We need to stick together and stay united right now.”
With the 27-year-old back in the goals, murmuring of a World Cup call up is in the air. Whilst Castellanos would love this, focus is firmly on keeping the Hammers up.
“Obviously, it’s always important to stay on the radar for the national team.
“I think that right now my main goal is to be here at West Ham. My mind is set on doing my best here, and I believe that by performing to the best of my ability here in this shirt, good things will come from that. I know it’s a bit difficult, but anyway, I just have to give my all in the remaining matches and focus properly on the objective we have here, which is the most important thing.”
