Carlo Ancelotti's appointment as the new boss of Premier League giants has had the backing of Liverpool ace Steven Gerrard.

Ancelotti joined the Stamford Bridge outfit earlier this week on Monday in a blaze of publicity, and arrives tasked with resurrecting the west London club's domestic fortunes and leading them to success in the Uefa Champions League.

The wily Italian has already won Europe's elite competition three times as a player and as coach has lead AC Milan to three finals, winning the trophy in both 2003 and 2007.

Milan famously lost to Liverpool on penalties in the 2005 final, before avenging that defeat by Rafa Benitez's men two years later, games that have left Gerrard convinced that Chelsea were wise to appoint Ancelotti.

"I think it's a good appointment for Chelsea," said the midfielder.

"However, I'm not so sure it's good for Liverpool, we will have to wait and see.

"He is a fantastic manager. We played two Champions League finals against him, won one on a fantastic night in Istanbul, but the second time around he did us, and they beat us.

"He was spot on tactically in the second game so I think they have appointed a very good manager."

"I think Ancelotti and Benitez are both fantastic managers and will make the Premiership even more exciting.

"These managers love going head to head against each other, to test each other, so I am sure Rafa and Ancelotti are looking forward to testing themselves again.

"I am sure the Chelsea players are very excited. I haven't had a chance to speak to them about it but I am sure they are very happy because when you look around the world there are many good managers and Ancelotti is certainly one of them."