HONDA EYES UP JUVENTUS TEST

MILAN - Keisuke Honda has spoken to the Gazzetta dello Sport about all things Milan, starting with the current training retreat: "We would have preferred to be at our homes. But we now have lots of time to stay together, talk and train. And I hope we see the effects as of the Juve game. Problems with the smaller teams? It is harder tactically versus teams that close themselves up and leave you the initiative. Perhaps the motivation that comes from facing a bigger team allows us to prepare better from a mental standpoint.  All players want to play in the Champions League and win trophies. But you've got to be realistic. It isn't easy to be satisfied with minimal objectives, but right now we must collect as many points as possible."

On the Juve game this Saturday: "Everything is possible, even beating Juve, but it's certainly very difficult. To make it happen, we must believe in ourselves. Juve are stronger than us, but we played well against Napoli, Roma and Inter. Juve's best quality is their defence. They are the classic Italian team. I prefer the way Napoli play, that's my style. Juve are strong and we know that. They're the number one team in Italy. But we want to beat them by playing well. We'll have to be solid and close down the spaces, trying to keep the score goalless at half-time. After that, who knows. The great thing about football is that unexpected things happen all the time. There are many ways to win, we must be able to adapt to the game as it develops."
Closing comments: "I must thank all of the coaches I have worked with at Milan. It was nice to get to know them, especially Seedorf and Inzaghi, who are superstars to me. Mihajlovic is very attentive and honest. He puts his trust in you and makes you feel confident. The team needs him and he will make this team develop."