Steven Gerrard explains resignation after leaving Al-Ettifaq by ‘mutual consent’
Steven Gerrard explains resignation after leaving Al-Ettifaq by ‘mutual consent’
Share:
The Liverpool legend was under pressure following a poor run of form in the Saudi Pro League. Steven Gerrard has left Al-Ettifaq by mutual consent, with the Liverpool legend admitting his 18-month spell in charge of the Saudi Pro League side did not go as planned.
Gerrard was appointed Al-Ettifaq manager in the summer of 2023 on a reported £15m-a-season contract but he has been under pressure for months amid a poor run of form. Al-Ettifaq finished sixth in the Saudi Pro League in Gerrard’s first season in charge but results have dipped this campaign, with just two wins in their last 14 matches.
Gerrard joined the Saudi Arabian side after he was sacked by Aston Villa two years ago, and made former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson one of his first major signings. But Henderson left Al-Ettifaq after just six months to sign for Dutch giants Ajax, with Gerrard agreeing to a two-year contract extension to stay as manager shortly after.
Al-Ettifaq won their first three games of the season but there were calls for Gerrard to resign after the club were knocked out of the King Cup by second-tier opposition in November. Gerrard was then met with boos and jeers as he went to applaud the Al-Ettifaq fans following the home defeat to Al Qadsiah, but he continued for a further two months before agreeing to step aside.
A statement from Gerrard said: “I want to express my gratitude to the club, the players, the fans and everyone involved for the opportunity and the support during my time here, especially the president, Mr Samer, CEO, Mr Hamad and the Head of Football Committee, Mr Hatim.
