Keisuke Honda admits that Milan have no other option than to beat high-flying Sampdoria on Saturday.
Keisuke Honda admits that Milan have no other option than to beat high-flying Sampdoria on Saturday.
The Rossoneri have struggled in recent weeks after a promising start to life under Coach Filippo Inzaghi, and SuperPippo was even whistled by Milan supporters following Sunday’s defeat to Palermo at San Siro.
While there has not yet been speculation surrounding Inzaghi’s position, a fourth consecutive winless game would put the tactician under more pressure, and Honda says the weekend trip to the Marassi is a must-win game.
“I think we have to win on Saturday against Sampdoria,” the Japanese player admitted in a Press conference today.
“We have to show what we’re made of, I think we can do it. We’ve started a new project under Inzaghi, I really like this team and I think we can do it.
“We played well for a lot of games [at the start of the season], but recently we haven’t been creating enough chances to win.
“I think there are two main reasons. The first is physical as we are subjected to an intense training program.
“The second is the great attention that everyone pays to us. We’re at the beginning of a new project, Saturday won’t be easy.”
Honda joined the Rossoneri on a free transfer from CSKA Moscow in January, and says he’s making progress in adapting to life in Italy.
“I’m studying Italian, and I try to talk, as well as relying on the person [translator] in front of me.
“When I came here [to Italy] I had to change my style a bit to fit in.
“It’s a different culture, and there are many differences. I have my own particular style, and I think people respect that, just as I respect Italian style.
“I’ve learned to appreciate Italian culture. Let’s just say there’s mutual respect.”
Honda has been one of Milan’s most reliable players this season, with six goals in 10 Serie A appearances – in stark contrast to the misfiring Fernando Torres.
However, the Japan international has no problem playing with Torres or Frenchman Jeremy Menez.
“I like playing with both Torres and Menez. They are two great players, and I’m happy to play with them.
“It’s not a problem for me to play with them.”