Adriano Galliani has praised Pippo Inzaghi’s work at Milan, backs Stephan El Shaarawy, and expresses delight in Keisuke Honda’s form.
Adriano Galliani has praised Pippo Inzaghi’s work at Milan, backs Stephan El Shaarawy, and expresses delight in Keisuke Honda’s form.
The Japanese forward has started the new season in strong form, putting to bed doubts over his capability in Serie A following a difficult first six months to life at San Siro.
“He has always been a great player, when he arrived in January he did not have that preparation, he had to settle in a new country,” Vice-President Galliani has told reporters today.
“Even the great Platini took a while to become the player he later became. But without comparing Honda to Platini I want to say that foreign players sometimes need to acclimatise.
“He is having a great season. He has scored six goals without penalties and has scored even in the Trofeo TIM and the friendly with Valencia. He is on a run of impressive goals.
“Comparisons with Tevez? I don’t know, I do not want to make comparisons.
“The turning point? The scheme of play. He is left-footed and plays on the right and Pippo has done well to put him in the field in a certain way, in a role he has never done before that he is doing very well.”
Galliani was asked about the return to full fitness of El Shaarawy.
“He was already recovered. I think he is perfect because he knows how to do both phases [attack and defend]. He is one of our absolute jewels and one who can stay a regular and he knows that.
“Now he is physically fit and he did not say anything out of line. The cursing at the end of the game was with himself.
“Unlike 30-40 years ago, today you can read the lips of players, whilst there is also much more media following football.
“El Shaarawy and Honda are two super wingers because they are great at both defending and attacking.”
Inzaghi has the Rossoneri up to fourth in the table.
“We are very pleased with the win yesterday. I spoke with Inzaghi again this morning. We are pleased with him too.
“But we have seen the change straight away, since the first match with Lazio there has been a different atmosphere and I think everyone has understood this, first and foremost the fans. There is a very good aura.
“Inzaghi is doing well. This can be seen in the play, the number of goals scored and the atmosphere that is at Milanello. Everyone can see it.
“Is Berlusconi satisfied? Absolutely. He is satisfied with the game and the group. His proximity to the team is crucial, his presence every Friday at Milanello.
“Yesterday he called Pippo 10 minutes before the game to wish him the best of luck. The closeness of the President is one of the fundamental elements of Milan in this period.
“And his comments about the team? There is a great cohesion between everyone. The formation is shared with the President.
“It is true that I have always said the League is won by those who concede the fewest goals, but it’s fun to score many goals.”