Steven Gerrard reveals he has taken ideas from Rafa Benitez, Fabio Capello and Brendan Rodgers

Steven Gerrard says he was always keen to go into management as he missed the feeling of winning after retiring as a player.

The 41-year-old took over as Aston Villa boss in November after starting his coaching career with Liverpool’s Under-18s before moving to Rangers.

In a BT Sport interview with his ex-England teammate Rio Ferdinand, Gerrard revealed what his favourite part of management was.

‘The buzz of winning,’ he said. ‘I get asked a lot ‘do you miss playing?’. If I had the chance, I’d go back to being a player tomorrow.

‘To be able to be in a position to play at the top level and share a pitch with some of the talent that I shared a pitch with for many years, they have to be the best days of your life. I miss that.

‘Being a manager gives you that opportunity to get that buzz and that thrill back of being in the dressing room, being around the training. It’s different.

‘There’s a lot more responsibility and pressure on your shoulders, of course there is, but the opportunity to win is what I crave.’

Gerrard was appointed as Aston Villa boss in November following over three years at Rangers

Gerrard also gave an insight how he has taken inspiration from coaches that he played under during his career.

‘Being around certain managers growing, your Benitezs and those types of coaches, I’ve always tried to learn as much as I can but try to create a way of a playing and a philosophy that is my own,’ he said.

‘But I must say that I’ve taken a lot of ideas from coaches that I’ve worked with. Out of possession Benitez was one of the best, your Capellos of this world.

‘And then in possession trying to be as modern as we can with the likes of your Brendan Rodgers and learning off all the managers that I’ve worked with.’

Gerrard won the Champions League under Rafa Benitez in the famous Istanbul final of 2005

Gerrard won the Champions League at Liverpool under Benitez in 2005, while Rodgers was Reds manager when he left the club in 2015. Capello managed England between 2008 and 2012.   

The Villa boss also heaped praise on exciting youngster Jacob Ramsey, 20, who has scored five goals in 17 appearances since Gerrard arrived at the club.

‘The surprise package if I had to pick one would be Ramsey,’ the 41-year-old said. ‘I knew he was a good player when I came in. I’d seen the finish against Arsenal where he’s curled it into the top corner.

‘In terms of consistency on a daily basis and someone who is striving to improve and get better, he’s been the standout. Just because of his age, he’s scored six Premier League goals now and I know he wants more.

Gerrard was full of praise for Villa youngster Jacob Ramsey, who has six league goals this term

‘I spoke to him about his numbers when I first came in and the position he’s playing for us in the team, he’s got a licence to run forward with and without the ball. He’s someone who likes to drive and take it up to people.

‘He’s been an absolute pleasure to deal with, very humble. He’s a really exciting one not just for Villa but for England as well.’

Watch Aston Villa v Arsenal from 11.30am on Saturday 19th March, live on BT Sport 1, online and on the BT Sport app. For more info, visit btsport.com