Former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has parted ways with Saudi club Al-Ettifaq by mutual consent after 18 months in charge, the club announced on Thursday.
Gerrard took over in the summer of 2023 and had signed a contract extension last year to stay until 2027. However, with Al-Ettifaq currently sitting 12th in the 18-team Saudi Pro League after eight losses in 17 matches, both parties agreed to end his tenure.
“Ettifaq football club and Steven Gerrard have mutually agreed to part company,” the club confirmed in a statement.
Gerrard led the team to a sixth-place finish last season but struggled to maintain momentum this campaign. Reflecting on his time in Saudi Arabia, the 44-year-old remained positive about the experience.
“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.
“So overall, I have learned 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. I wish the team the very best for the rest of the season.”
During his tenure, Gerrard managed 59 matches in all competitions, winning 23, drawing 16, and losing 20.
Club president Samer Al Mishal acknowledged Gerrard’s impact despite the early departure.
“Sometimes things don’t go as planned, but the firm foundations he helped build will guarantee a bright future in the long term,” he said.
“He changed the club for the better, and that will never be forgotten.
“This decision, made with mutual respect and in agreement, is in the best interest of both Steven and the club as we move forward.”
Gerrard, who played over 500 games for Liverpool and captained England 38 times, made an impressive managerial breakthrough with Rangers, guiding them to their first Scottish title in a decade in 2021.
That success earned him a shot at the Premier League with Aston Villa, but his tenure at Villa Park was short-lived—he was sacked in 2022 after a poor start to the season.
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