Steven Gerrard has stepped down as the manager of Saudi Arabian club Al-Ettifaq with mutual consent after 18 months in charge. In a statement on X, Gerrard expressed respect for the players and staff but acknowledged that things had not gone as planned in the competitive Saudi Pro League. Despite his decision, he thanked everyone at the club for their support and wished the team and fans success moving forward.
Gerrard, who took over as manager in July 2023 on a two-season contract, led the club through a difficult spell, with Al-Ettifaq winning only five of their 17 matches, leaving them just five points above the relegation zone. Before his time in Saudi Arabia, Gerrard had managed Glasgow Rangers and Aston Villa, with his most notable achievement being the 2021 Scottish Premiership title with Rangers.
As a player, Gerrard had an illustrious career at Liverpool, scoring 186 goals and providing 155 assists across 710 appearances, winning the UEFA Cup and UEFA Champions League, among other honors. He was inducted into the Premier League’s Hall of Fame in 2021.
