Ex-Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard signs two-year contract with Al-Ettifaq
Posted : 04 July 2023
Steven Gerrard, former England and Liverpool midfielder, has been appointed as the manager of Saudi Arabian team Al-Ettifaq. Despite initially stating that he would not be pursuing the opportunity, Gerrard has signed a two-year contract with the club.
The chairman of Al-Ettifaq, Khalid Al-Dabal, expressed confidence in Gerrard's impact, believing his presence will greatly benefit the league.
Al-Ettifaq finished seventh in the 2022-2023 Saudi Pro League, a considerable distance behind champions Al-Ittihad. Gerrard's move to Saudi Arabia aligns with a trend of top European players joining Pro League clubs, following heavy investments by these teams. Notable transfers include Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, Ruben Neves, N'Golo Kante, Kalidou Koulibaly, Edouard Mendy, and Marcelo Brozovic.
The Saudi Pro League aims to become one of the top five leagues globally, evident in the Public Investment Fund's takeover of four prominent clubs, including Newcastle United. However, Al-Ettifaq is not among those clubs.
Gerrard's managerial career began at Rangers in 2018, where he led the team to their first Scottish Premiership title in a decade. He later became Aston Villa boss but was dismissed after a tenure that produced 13 wins from 40 matches.
Having retired from professional football in 2016, Gerrard's appointment as manager of Al-Ettifaq presents a new chapter in his coaching career. With his successful track record at Rangers and extensive experience as a player, it remains to be seen how he will guide and elevate the Saudi Arabian team in the coming years.
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