Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard has found his next managerial challenge. Gerrard, who most recently coached Premier League side Aston Villa, accepted the offer from Saudi Arabia side Al Ettifaq and will be their new manager.
Al Ettifaq were aggressive in their pursuit of Gerrard, making him their No. 1 option after Patrice Carteron was dismissed earlier this year. Gerrard initially rejected the approach but was recently convinced of the club’s project and decided in favor of the move to Saudi Arabia.
“Without a doubt, Gerrard’s presence will be an addition and a quantum leap to our league,” said Al Ettifaq’s chairman Khalid Al-Dabal in a statement.
Al Ettifaq has a rich history, having won two national titles, including becoming the first team to do it without a single loss. They finished the last season seventh on the Saudi Arabia Pro League standings.
Steven Gerrard started his managerial career with Liverpool’s youth teams before taking over Scottish side Rangers in 2018. Gerrard led the team to a national title in 2020–21 before leaving the club midway through the 2021-22 campaign to join Premier League side Aston Villa.
Gerrard’s time with Villa was less successful, as he remained in charge for only 40 games. He was sacked by the club after getting only two wins in the first 12 games of the 2022-23 Premier League season.
