Ancelotti takes his table-topping Chelsea side to Anfield on Sunday looking for a victory that will help maintain their five-point lead at the summit of the Barclays Premier League.

Their victory at Anfield towards the end of last season sealed the title for the Blues.

But this time, with Liverpool in the midst of a mini-revival after a poor start to the season, Ancelotti knows a revitalised Gerrard will only help to inspire them.

Roy Hodgson's side have won their last three games and Gerrard's hat-trick in the win over Napoli in the Europa League on Thursday night was another example of just why Ancelotti wants to work with him in the future.

Gerrard was also the catalyst for Liverpool's comeback from 3-0 down against Ancelotti's AC Milan side in the 2005 Champions league final in Istanbul.

The Reds won on penalties but Ancelotti gained revenge in Athens in the 2007 final by beating Liverpool 2-1.

When asked why he would like to manage him, Ancelotti replied: "Because he's one of the best players in the world. If you can manage the best players, it's easier to win.

"I don't know him as a person. I think he's a good man. But the reason I would like to manage him is because I've managed a lot of fantastic players, and he's one of the best players.

"He plays in a very dangerous position for us, a little bit behind Fernando Torres. We have to control that position during the game because he'll be able to give passes to Torres for the final pass, and will also be dangerous shooting from distance.

"It will be important for us not to give him the chances to play with that space. It's not just important that John Obi Mikel has good control of that position, but also the other midfielders have to support him and control Gerrard.

"I think Gerrard knows very well the tradition and history of the club. He's happy to wear the shirt. The shirt is 'inside' him. For this reason, it's important for the other players to have a team-mate who is a 'Liverpool player'.

"It's the same with John Terry at Chelsea. They're very good examples for the young players or those who arrive in the new team. They show the right behaviour of what is expected of them as a Liverpool or Chelsea player."

When quizzed over where he would like to manage him - at Liverpool, Chelsea or England - Ancelotti replied: "I don't know."

The Italian remains without the services of England midfielder Frank Lampard for the trip to Merseyside and Ghana international Michael Essien is doubtful with a toe problem.

But France winger Florent Malouda has recovered from his twisted ankle and is fit to play.

Lampard last played in the 2-0 win over Stoke at the end of August. He had hernia surgery initially but has since been plagued by a hamstring problem since then.

"Lampard is not available for this game," said Ancelotti. "We have to take our time again.

"We didn't want to take a risk. He's done plenty of training alone, so the next step is training with his team-mates, which he'll start at the beginning of next week. I hope he'll be ready for Sunderland.

"We have a little problem with Essien's toe and we're not sure he'll be fit. I'm hopeful he can play."