Alberto Zaccheroni has enthused at Yuto Nagatomo and Keisuke Honda’s work in Serie A, and offered his view on the latter’s best position at Milan.
Alberto Zaccheroni has enthused at Yuto Nagatomo and Keisuke Honda’s work in Serie A, and offered his view on the latter’s best position at Milan.
The two Japanese internationals are on either side of the Milan divide this season, with Honda’s move to Milan in January seeing him join compatriot and Inter full-back Nagatomo in Serie A.
“It is gratifying for the work we have done with Japan,” their national team Coach Zaccheroni has considered with SportMediaset this week.
“Nagatomo has been doing very well for some time, while Honda can be successful in Milan because he has the right physical and technical qualities.
“Keisuke plays more on the right, but he lacks a little speed, but recovers thanks to his technique and his shooting, so I believe that the best of him comes from playing behind the strikers.
“Milan, however, have many players in that area of the field and [Clarence] Seedorf will have to make choices combining as best he can the characteristics of everyone.
“However, I believe that both can remain for a long time in Milan.”
Almost four years with Japan, the 60-year-old was asked of Cesare Prandelli’s expected exit from Italy after the World Cup and if he would consider the position.
“That is a theme that does not bother me. I have been in Japan for four years and I am very happy.”
Zaccheroni’s career has taken in spells with both Milanese giants and he was asked to reflect on their respective struggles this term.
“Usually it is just the one of the two that does not go well and it is strange to see them both in trouble.
“Milan are changing so much at an executive level, whilst Inter have changed their President. They are two construction sites.
“It is easy for me to say that they have to give continuity to their Coaches to develop the squad and grow the players.
“I believe that [Erick] Thohir is right to back [Walter] Mazzarri and to give him time.”