Liverpool news: Steven Gerrard told Rafa Benitez to leave dressing room during Miracle of Istanbul

Former Liverpool and France international striker Djibril Cisse has backed his former teammate Steven Gerrard to become a ‘great manager.’

Cisse was part of the Reds team which pulled of the ‘Miracle of Istanbul’ to win the 2005 Champions League final against AC Milan side.

Liverpool overcome a 3-0 half-time deficit to defeat AC Milan at the Ataturk Stadium in Istanbul.

During an interview with the Mirror, Cisse revealed that Gerrard sent manager Rafa Benitez and his staff out of the dressing room at half time before delivering the ‘best captain’s speech’ he had ever heard.

“He gave the best captain’s speech I ever heard in my career,” Cisse told the Mirror.

“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 b—- to do this.

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

Gerrard scored the goal which kicked off Liverpool’s come-back and won the penalty which was converted by Xabi Alonso.

The 36-year-old spent 17 years playing for Liverpool’s senior side before a short stint in the MLS playing for the LA Galaxy. Gerrard is currently a youth coach at Liverpool.

Liverpool face Arsenal this weekend in the Premier League as they look to return to winning ways.