The Dutchman offers a calmer presence than predecessor Jurgen Klopp from the bench, which seems to be working with Liverpool now top of the table.
After the win against Chelsea on Sunday, Sturridge said: "I think it's refreshing.
"Everyone knows how demanding Jurgen (Klopp) was on the pitch and off the pitch. Being at home the day before the game is a different mindset for players. The players are buying into the manager, his personality."
Sturridge's former Liverpool teammate Jamie Carragher also said: "He's not as emotional as Klopp but he got wrapped up in the game today. He's a different manager. He's not trying to be something else, he's being himself.
"A big thing about being successful is winning the games you're supposed to win. It becomes a great season if you start taking points off your rivals."