New Delhi: Former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard is set to resign as Al-Ettifaq after being at the helm of the Saudi Pro League for just 18 months according to the news outlet Echo. Gerrard has reportedly asked to leave following the club’s poor performance as they sit in 12th place in the league and are divided from the relegation zone by just five points.
The 44-year-old had come to Al Ettifaq in July 2023 after serving as managers to Rangers and Aston Villa. This season Al Ettifaq have really struggled managing to win only five times from 17 league games. Their recent clash against Al Wehda ended in a 2-2 draw and is believed to have accelerated Gerrard’s decision to depart the club.
🚨🇸🇦 Steven Gerrard, set to part ways with Al Ettifaq as the Saudi chapter is almost over.
The mutual agreement is set to be completed. pic.twitter.com/AClMVo96I5
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 29, 2025
Geerad had taken responsibility for the team’s current performance while also noting that it was a challenge to lead a side with so many players absent from the squad due to injuries. Throughout his tenure Al Ettifaq have been supportive of the former Aston Villa manager, bringing in players including Demarai Gray, Jordan Henderson and Georginio Wijnaldum.
However, Henderson’s departure from the club took a toll on their performance as Al Ettifaq managed to win just twice in their last 14 games in the league. For now, it is being reported that Al Ettifaq are considering Gerrard’s possible replacements. According to some media sources, Gerrard had previously wanted to leave the side last summer but was persuaded against the decision by club chiefs.
There are some suggestions from sources that Gerrard’s assistant Michael Beale is also likely to leave the side though he will be connected with Saudi football in some power.
Steven Gerrard’s career from Liverpool academy to Al Ettifaq
Gerrard had spent his entire playing career with Liverpool joining the club academy at the age of nine. Between 1998 and 2015, the English international made 710 appearances for the Reds before shifting for one season with MLS team LA Galaxy for whom he made 39 appearances before calling it a day on his career.
The former Liverpool legend began his career as a manager at the Liverpool Academy in 2017, before moving to Scottish club Rangers where he led the side to the Scottish Premiership title in 2021, without losing a single league game. He had a brief stint at Aston Villa before moving to Saudi Pro League side Al Ettifaq
Former Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard has reportedly resigned from his role as Al Ettifaq’s manager after the club managed to win just five games in 12 league games. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
