Former Japan coach Alberto Zaccheroni has defended Keisuke Honda after his blast for AC Milan management.

Honda has been critical of the club's direction this week.

“Keisuke is not someone who speaks out of turn," Zaccheroni told Milan Channel.

“He's a great professional, someone who always puts the needs of the team before his own. If he said these things it's to urge someone to do something.

“It's also true that there are appropriate forums to say certain things, I think these things should take place within the club.

“I have great respect for Paolo Maldini, when he was my captain he only spoke out when things weren't going well.

“Players shouldn't intervene to criticise the work of others in the newspapers, we should only speak of these things within the team.

“I disagree with what Honda did, but knowing him he did it in a constructive way."