Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard has named Gerard Houllier and Rafa Benitez as the two 'standout' coaches he worked with during his career.
Gerrard - sacked by Aston Villa earlier this term after guiding Rangers to the Scottish Premier League title in his first senior management role - made more than 700 appearances for Liverpool, scoring 186 goals across 17 seasons.
The former England international credited Houllier with 'changing him' as a person while Benitez, who went on to manage Everton, was named 'the best tactical coach' Gerrard ever worked with.
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The 42-year-old was speaking at the Be the Standard initiative, which is the brainchild of Paul Cheetham-Karcz, who founded the national award-winning mid-tier accountancy and business advisory firm Sedulo.
The company represents leading brands across the United Kingdom as well as public figures spanning music, sports and entertainment industries.
Gerrard told Cheetham-Karcz and and broadcaster Jacey Normand at the exclusive Be the Standard event: “My standout coaches were Gerrard Houllier. He was the best and changed me as a person. He made me a first team player.
"Rafa was the best tactical coach I ever worked with. Both leaders in different ways.”
Gerrard also praised Jurgen Klopp after working with the German while he was in charge of Liverpool under-18s.
He continued: “Jurgen gave incredible support. He knows the game. I got good advice from him. That was good grounding for me and helped me learn the management trade."
After leaving Villa in October after 11 months in charge, Gerrard believes setbacks can 'help' as he revealed he is determined to improve.
He said: "I was obsessed and still am obsessed with winning. But in football, probably like you in business, you’ve got to be prepared for the highs and the lows. I’ve had disappointments and setbacks like injuries but that drove me on to get even better.
"You have to be switched on mentally. Setbacks help you in the end.”
Sedulo founder Paul Cheetham-Karcz commented: “Steven Gerrard is a global football great and even as a Stockport County fan it was fascinating to hear his story up close and hear about his focus and winning mentality.
“The business leaders in the room run incredibly successful companies, and the comparisons between the pressures of winning and making a corporation a success are startling.
"The burning desire to be the best is probably the standout feature and I know everyone appreciated Steven’s unique insight of how to cope in a high-pressured scenario, which transcends the playing field.
“It was a privilege to host him and I know the business leaders in the room were grateful to hear his unbelievable experiences.
“Be the Standard is an incredible network of people and we have had some stellar guests. We’ve got big plans to grow this network of business powerhouses even further.”
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