Pippo Inzaghi admits he “didn’t expect to be 3-0 up” away to Verona and hailed Keisuke Honda.
Milan are top scorers in Serie A this season and Honda’s brace took his tally to six, on a par with Carlos Tevez of Juventus” data-scaytid=”6″>Juventus.
Pippo Inzaghi admits he “didn’t expect to be 3-0 up” away to Verona and hailed Keisuke Honda.
Milan are top scorers in Serie A this season and Honda’s brace took his tally to six, on a par with Carlos Tevez of Juventus.
“Today we are very happy, as this was a great performance despite missing important players,” Inzaghi told Sky Sport Italia after a 3-1 win at the Bentegodi.
“In the locker room I wanted to compliment Essien, who hadn’t played much this season, but was exemplary.
“I am a little angry that we didn’t keep our second consecutive clean sheet, but Abbiati did a great job in goal and is a guarantee.
“It was a great victory, we should enjoy it, but I am already looking forward to Fiorentina. I can say two consecutive wins represent a fine boost for this team.
“The players make me proud to train them. When I see them working, I am relaxed and know they are doing everything right. Of course on the field things can take a different turn and I didn’t expect to be 3-0 up in a tough arena like this.”
Honda had been a flop in his first six months of Serie A football, but has become the breakout star of this team.
“At the start of August I talked about Honda, so I knew he’d deliver. I was looking for a left-footed player for the 4-3-3 and as time went on I realised Honda was that man. He has technique, but also great strength and ran so much today.”
Inzaghi is never content and complained that Nico Lopez was allowed to score late on.
“We know that we have to improve. Looking at the goals we have conceded, there were four in that bizarre game at Parma, Empoli’s two were from set plays and against Cesena we practically scored it ourselves.
“We have to get better at the back, but the fact we are top scorers is very satisfying for a Coach, as that means we have the attacking and entertaining approach I wanted.
“This team still needs more confidence after a very tough year and our spirit is to always attack, though of course a big club also has to control the game once in the lead, as we risked letting Verona back in for 3-2.”
Fernando Torres disappointed again, but Inzaghi refused to say whether Jeremy Menez would be put back into a centre-forward role.
“All week I have had doubts over who to start. I need to watch the training sessions and take my indications from there. It’s good that I have so many choices, as that’s the best thing for a Coach, it’s a luxury.”