Benitez says Gerrard 'has a chance' as manager

Rafael Benitez says former England captain Steven Gerrard has the right attributes to make a good manager.

Newcastle boss Benitez, who managed Gerrard at Liverpool between 2004 and 2010, says the 36-year-old has always been interested in the tactical side of the game.

Gerrard, who is currently considering his options after announcing last week that he will leave Major League Soccer side LA Galaxy, has held preliminary talks with Milton Keynes Dons over their current managerial vacancy.

However, the 114-time capped England international is set to turn down the opportunity to manage the League One side, who have been without a permanent manager since Karl Robinson was sacked on 23 October.

"I remember my first meeting [on becoming Liverpool manager] was in Portugal with Michael Owen, Jamie Carragher and Stevie," the Spaniard told the Newcastle Evening Chronicle.

"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. Then, little by little, he was changing his position."

Benitez also believes Gerrard's ability to play a number of different positions in the team will hold him good stead in a managerial career.

"I remember when everyone was talking about: ‘Oh, you have to play [Frank] Lampard and Gerrard as midfielders for the national team," the 56-year-old continued.

"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."

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