Friday 4 May 2018 15:11, UK
Rafa Benitez does not believe Rangers took a risk appointing Steven Gerrard, saying his "passion for football" will ensure he is a success at Ibrox.
Gerrard, who won the Champions League with Benitez at Liverpool, was confirmed as Rangers boss on Friday after he signed a four-year deal at the club, but the decision has been met with scepticism.
However, the Newcastle boss believes it is a great opportunity for Gerrard to demonstrate his managerial ability.
"First of all I would like to say congratulations, it's always a challenge [taking your first job in management]," said Benitez, ahead of Saturday's match against Watford.
"He loves football so it's an opportunity to show his level. I said in some interview that because he has had so many different managers, with so many different styles I'm sure that he has learned from everyone and hopefully he can do well.
"It's not easy, because it is not easy for them to compete against Celtic. I think he will be a manager with fresh ideas and his commitment will be there, his passion - I think he can do well.
"I don't think it's a risk. He's a name and he knows about football and I'm sure the staff he's going to bring with him will have experience so I think he will be fine. Always when you have someone with this passion for football with people with more experience around them they can do well."
Gerrard will be tasked with toppling Old Firm rivals Celtic, who have won seven titles in a row, which puts him head-to-head against his former Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers.
"I think it'll be interesting to see these games," Benitez added. "Obviously, I said before that Celtic has an advantage, but still the passion is there and it will be very interesting to see these games."
