Steven Gerrard and Saudi Pro League club Al-Ettifaq have parted ways by mutual agreement after 18 months. The club confirmed the decision in a statement on Thursday, ending the former Liverpool captain’s tenure.
“Ettifaq football club and Steven Gerrard have mutually agreed to part company,” the statement read.
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Gerrard joined Al-Ettifaq in the summer of 2023 and initially signed a contract that was set to run until 2027. In his first season, he led the team to a respectable sixth-place finish. However, this season has been challenging, with the club currently in 12th place out of 18 teams in the league. Under his leadership, Al-Ettifaq played 59 matches in all competitions, winning only 23.
Despite the struggles, Gerrard remained positive about his experience in Saudi Arabia.
“From the first day I was warmly welcomed, and I have enjoyed the chance to work in a new country with a different culture,” he said. “Overall, I have learnt a lot, and it’s been a positive experience personally and for my family as well. But football is unpredictable, and sometimes things don’t go the way we want.”
With Gerrard’s departure, Al-Ettifaq will now look for a new manager to turn their season around. Meanwhile, it is unclear what the future holds for Gerrard, who has previously managed Rangers in Scotland and Aston Villa in England.