Steven Gerrard targets post Rangers imitation game as he sends 'personal' Barcelona message to Xavi

Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard admits he's trying to learn from Xavi's impressive start to life at Barcelona

The La Liga giants were on a dismal run of prior to the club legend's return as boss, having won just four of their opening 13 La Liga matches.

But now they have been experienced an exceptional turnaround and have lost just one of their previous 16 league encounters. They are also big favourites to claim the Europa League.

A Liverpool legends side met Barcelona's icons at the weekend, and former Rangers boss Gerrard ran out in front of the Kop once more.

Having taken over at Villa last year following last year's Premiership win at Ibrox, Gerrard says he's taking tips from the new man at the Camp Nou helm.

He told the Liverpool Echo : "In my position, you're always trying to learn off everyone you can. There is a lot of media around Xavi because he was a world-class player.

"He is someone I have the utmost respect for as a player and I'm obviously watching him as a coach as well.

"He is on a similar journey to myself: very young, very new and I'm sure he is learning a lot every day like me.

"I would like to give him a personal good luck message, I hope he makes it a big success and I would love to see him at Barcelona for many years."