Former Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard has had a change of heart and has accepted the position of head coach at Saudi Pro League club Al-Ettifaq.
هنا منبع الأساطير ❤️💚
— نادي الاتفاق (@Ettifaq) July 3, 2023
يُسعدنا الإعلان عن التعاقد مع جيرارد كمدرب لنادي الاتفاق ✍️#جيرارد_اتفاقي pic.twitter.com/Q5e6HpzXLC
The announcement came via a Twitter post from the club, which announced, “Where legends are found. We are delighted to announce that Steven Gerrard is our new head coach.” Gerrard had previously distanced himself from the role, but seems to have reconsidered his decision. The move sees Gerrard join a growing list of high-profile football figures who have moved to Saudi Arabia in recent times.
من الأسطورة شخصيًا 🗣️
— نادي الاتفاق (@Ettifaq) July 3, 2023
جيرارد يوجه رسالة خاصة لجماهير #الاتفاق ❤️💚#جيرارد_اتفاقي pic.twitter.com/ZcNunj4EtS
Al-Ettifaq, who finished seventh in the league last season under Antonio Cazorla, will be aiming to improve under Gerrard. The Saudi Pro League has seen an increase in quality with the intervention of the country’s Public Investment Fund, which has taken control of four clubs, leaving Al-Ettifaq. The growing appeal of the league has attracted notable names, adding excitement and competition to the domestic football scene.
✍🏻 المهندس خالد الدبل رئيس النادي خلال توقيع العقد مع الإسطورة الإنجليزية ستيفين جيرارد #جيرارد_اتفاقي pic.twitter.com/5PPH59VP42
— نادي الاتفاق (@Ettifaq) July 3, 2023
Gerrard began his managerial journey at Rangers in 2018 after retiring from an illustrious playing career. He enjoyed success with Rangers, winning the Scottish Premiership in the 2020–21 season. However, he made his debut at Aston Villa in November of the same year. Despite a promising start at Villa Park, Gerrard struggled to keep up consistent results, recording 13 wins in 40 matches before his exit. Unai Emery took over and led the team to a strong finish, securing European qualification with a seventh-place finish in the table.
البطولات تعرفه وهو يعرفها 🔥
— نادي الاتفاق (@Ettifaq) July 3, 2023
أسطورة كرة القدم يأتي محملاً بخبراته إلى فارس الدهناء 😉#جيرارد_اتفاقي pic.twitter.com/pZeJO1ahXA
Since leaving Villa in October, Gerrard has been without a managerial role. The 43-year-old’s decision to join Al-Ettifaq marks a new chapter in his coaching career and gives him an opportunity to leave his mark on the fast-growing Saudi Pro League. Gerrard will be up against familiar faces in the league, including Cristiano Ronaldo at Al-Nasr and Karim Benzema at Al-Tahad. The allure of the league also attracted midfielder Marcelo Bruzovic, who recently signed a three-year deal with Al-Nasser, departing Internazionale in a deal worth around £17.5 million.
As Saudi Arabia’s domestic league continues its growth, the influx of top football talent signals growing ambitions to raise the league’s profile and competitiveness globally. With Gerrard now at the helm, fans and football fans alike will be eagerly watching to see how he shapes the team and contributes to the league’s growth in the coming season. Is.
