Jermain Defoe has revealed just how good Steven Gerrard is as a manager.
Defoe, who played alongside Gerrard with England at many a tournament, has stated that the Rangers gaffer has everything in his locker to be a successful boss in the beautiful game.
In an interview with Football Fancast, Defoe stated: “He’s amazing. It cannot be easy going from being a player to a manager. It’s not easy!
“Imagine trying to keep 25 players happy. You pick your best XI, but then you’ve got to keep the others happy at all times as well. It’s literally impossible.
“The way he is honest with the players, he always tells us that if we’ve got a problem then his office door is open. The way he handles the press is amazing because it is not easy up there.”
Defoe has had a storied career, from starting off in the Premier League at West Ham, before suffering relegation with the Hammers and then plying his trade at White Hart Lane, Fratton Park and the Stadium of Light.
After a spell with Bournemouth, where the former England talisman was in and out of the squad under Eddie Howe, Defoe moved to Rangers on loan in the 2019 winter transfer window.
Defoe has since made over 50 appearances for the Gers and will make his move permanent at the expiration of his contract with Bournemouth in the summer.
In his time at Rangers, Defoe has seen the club put up their biggest Scottish Premiership challenge since their return to the top flight and a long campaign in the Europa League with Gerrard at the helm.
Defoe has earmarked that success due to Gerrard and his team of staff: “The team he’s got around him. We’ve got an identity and we know how we want to play and that’s something that’s been worked on in pre-season. Everyone knows their roles and responsibilities.
“And even now, with the current situation, we’ve got something where we can go and look at the sessions that we’ve had during training or with tactical sessions, just so it all stays fresh in our minds.
“We’ve got everything under Steven Gerrard at Rangers to be successful and when it happens, it’ll be a dream come true.”
Also in the interview, Defoe speaks of the future and whether or not he’ll complete his coaching badges, as well as a look back on his career, from Toronto to Tottenham, as well as discussing how the Old Firm derby is the best he’s ever played in and whether or not Rangers can win the Premiership anytime soon.