Former Liverpool and current Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez has backed Anfield legend Steven Gerrard to succeed as a boss given his ability and understanding to play in a variety of positions during his time at the club, according to a report inThis Is Anfield.
The club icon is currently weighing up his options after leaving MLS franchise LA Galaxy, and has reportedlybeen offered the vacant manager's post at League 1 side MK Dons, although recent reports have suggested that he will turn down therole.
The in-demand player has also been sounded out byInter Milan over joining them until the end of the season, while the Reds are believed to have held preliminary talks with Gerrard over joining Alex Inglethorpe's academy setup.
However, Benitez has claimed that Gerrard's management credentials will be vastly boosted by his own qualities and would likely thrive in the hot seat. He said:
What I could see when I went to Liverpool, I could see a great player with a passion,� the Newcastle United boss recalled, as quoted in theChronicle Live.
I remember my first meeting [with him] was in Portugal with Michael Owen, Jamie Carragher and Stevie.
They were with the national team and we were asking for permission to talk to them.
We were talking about tactics and they were really keen. So he was someone that was really keen to learn.�
Steven Gerrard asks Brendan Rodgers if he can join him at Celtic pic.twitter.com/XM2npAn9tJ
Although the former Anfield talisman operated principally as a midfielder, Rafa - as he is affectionately known - believes that his versatility in a number of roles will stand him in good stead and help him thrive in the nuances of management.
Little by little, he was changing his position,� the Spaniard added.
I remember when everyone was talking about: ˜Oh, you have to play [Frank] Lampard and Gerrard as midfielders for the national team'.
He was playing for us on the right and he was scoring more than 20 goals.
Also sometimes he was playing for [Fabio] Capello on the left side, cutting in on his right foot from the wing.
For us [Liverpool] his best position was as a second-striker behind [Fernando] Torres.
When you have already played in three or four positions, your knowledge of the game is much better because you can see different points of view; the problems and the solutions.
So I think he has a chance to be a good manager.�
Benitez also stated that he was available to give advise to the former England play-maker should he ask, saying:He has enough experience but I don't have any problems.�