Defoe is one of only five black managers in the top five tiers of English football.
He hopes that number will rise in the years to come, but played down the idea he is under more pressure to succeed because of the lack of black managers.
“It’s something that’s been spoken about for many years,” he said.
“I remember as a player, all the different campaigns and speaking to the likes of Les Ferdinand, Ian Wright, Andy Cole – that generation before me who did their coaching badges and obviously there was a lack of opportunities.
“I would like to think going forward, other black managers now will get opportunities.
“Players that are still playing, hopefully in the future, they’ll get opportunities.
“I think there’s always going to be expectation on any manager at any level. You’re a manager of a football club that has to win.”
Defoe said he had no qualms about starting his managerial journey in the National League and knows he has to earn his stripes despite a stellar playing career.
“My mum’s always said to me in life, you’ve got to be grateful for every opportunity you get,” he said. “Everyone’s journey is different.
“You look at successful managers, everyone’s journey has been different.
“It’s important to appreciate the opportunity. When I was a player, a young 16-year-old at West Ham in the youth team, you have to earn your stripes. You have to do your apprenticeship.
“You can’t expect, just because I’ve had a good career, I can’t expect to just jump in at the top or get that big job.”
Defoe revealed he had conversations with Gareth Southgate and Lee Carsley about their respective coaching journeys, as well as messages of support from his former bosses Sam Allardyce and Harry Redknapp.
“I’m lucky that I’ve played for some great managers,” he said.
“I got a message from big Sam yesterday, which was nice. I still keep in contact with Harry.
“Towards the back end of my career, I remember Harry saying to me, ‘you’ve got to go into management, you’ll be brilliant’.
“I never really cut any corners when I was a player. I know coaching and management is different, but when you love football, nothing changes.
“This is something that I’ve always wanted. You have to embrace it. I’ve waited a long time, I’ve done all the courses, I’ve put in the hours and now it’s here. I’m going to enjoy this.”
