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Former Liverpool striker Djibril Cisse believes Steven Gerrard will go on to enjoy a trophy-laden managerial career.

The Frenchman says he's been convinced that Gerrard, who started a coaching role at the Academy last month, would make a top boss since the captain's inspirational half-time team talk in Istanbul 12 years ago.

Rafa Benitez's side trailed 3-0 to AC Milan in the Champions League final when the captain's rallying call helped to trigger a miraculous fightback.

“It’s in his DNA, he was talking to us, trying to make us feel like we could give our best,” Cisse told the Mirror.

“I think he will be a great manager. I don’t know if that’s what he wants to do, but he’s at the academy and it’s a great start for him and I see him as a manager.

“At half time, Rafa did a speech. He was really optimistic. But what really changed the game was Stevie’s speech.

“He asked nicely to the staff to be alone with the players and he said that he is a Liverpool kid, always been his club, he didn’t want to see his club being like this, being humiliated and he said if we scored in the first 15 minutes we would win the game and he’s the guy who scored the first goal.

“He gave the best captain’s speech I ever heard in my career. He asked everyone to leave, including Rafa, he just asked to be with the players. That’s what gave us the power to go and win the game. You need to have some balls to do this.

“It was the most incredible night of my career. I wish and really I hope a lot of players will experience what we lived through that night.”

Cisse, who has launched a career as a DJ since retiring, remains a Liverpool fan. His eight-year-old son Prince is on the books at the Academy.

The Reds' top-four hopes may have been dented by Monday's defeat to Leicester City but the 35-year-old has faith in Jurgen Klopp to deliver long-term success.

“I like Klopp. He fits with the club. I give him two seasons to have the title,” he added.

“I had the chance to meet him and talk with him. He gives you good energy. It’s really great for a player to be under his management. He’s like (Jose) Mourinho, he gives that energy. I think he’ll do really well.

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“In Dortmund people loved him, in Liverpool the same. It’s not an accident. When everyone thinks the same about you it means there’s something there.

“The title is the big thing now for Liverpool. I think they can get it. Two or three years they will get there. Liverpool is one of the top clubs. They have some great players and it’s also all about recruiting the right players.

“The club is there, the stadium is beautiful, the fans are amazing, the coach is the best. It’s only finding the right players then go and win it.”