Steven Gerrard, Al-Ettifaq part ways after 18 months in charge

Steven Gerrard and Saudi club Al-Ettifaq have mutually agreed to part ways after 18 months in charge, the club announced on Thursday.

Gerrard, who took over in the summer of 2023, had signed a contract extension last year to keep him at the helm until 2027.

However, the club’s performance under his leadership has been disappointing, with Al-Ettifaq sitting 12th in the Saudi Pro League after 17 matches, having lost eight of them. Last season, they finished in sixth place.

During his time in charge, Gerrard oversaw 59 matches in all competitions, securing only 23 victories.

Reflecting on his time in Saudi Arabia, Gerrard said, “From the first day, I was warmly welcomed and have enjoyed the chance to work in a new country with a different culture.

It’s been a positive experience personally and for my family, but football is unpredictable, and sometimes things don’t go the way we want.”