Al-Ettifaq new coach: Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard is set to join the Saudi Arabia club Al-Ettifaq as their new coach. Saudi clubs have been bringing over some of Europe’s best players to improve the league. They started their journey with Cristiano Ronaldo at the turn of the year. They continued that mission this summer transfer window as they have already acquired Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kante, Kalidou Koulibaly, and more. Trying to improve their coaching staff as well, Al-Ettifaq is leading the front as they are close to signing Steven Gerrard.
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Till now, Steven Gerrard has coached Rangers and Aston Villa. He started his journey as the youth coach at Liverpool in 2017. Then moved on to Rangers from the Scottish Premiership in 2018. He stayed there for 3 years until he was appointed as the head coach of Aston Villa in 2021. However, coming in the Premier League, his performance did not impress. Aston Villa ended the first season under him in 14th position in the league table. That ranking was 3 places lower than their previous season in 2020-21.
In the 2022-23 season, Aston Villa won just 2 out of the 12 opening games under Gerrard. As a result, he was axed by them back in October last year. Since, then the Liverpool legend has stayed out of a job. Before the coming season begins, the Saudi club Al-Ettifaq have offered him the head coach’s position. After such a short stint in Europe, it will be a surprise if he decides to leave. However, Saudi clubs are offering a lot of money to all the players and coaches they.
Gerrard had said previously thag he did not accept their offer. However, as per reports, the talks between the two parties have resurrected. Apparently, he has been considering the offer and the high salary could work as a motivation. Reportedly, some delegates from the Saudi Pro League visited the former midfielder in England to convince him and accelerate the signing. Apparently, if things go right, a deal between the two parties can be reached within the next week. If Gerrard signs with them, he will have his work cut out for him.
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Al-Ettifaq ended their previous season in 7th place in the Saudi Pro League. They won 10 games, drew 7, and lost 13 points. They ended the season 35 points below the league leaders Al-Ittihad. The club has been trying to strengthen their team before the start of the coming season. However, it has not helped them particularly after Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund took control of four of the league’s biggest teams – Al-Ittihad, Al-Hilal, Al-Nassr, and Al-Ahli.
Following Cristiano Ronaldo’s arrival in January this year, all of these teams are bringing big players. Karim Benzema, Kalidou Koulibaly, N’Golo Kante, Edouard Mendy, Ruben Neves, and more players have moved to Saudi Arabia. Saudi clubs are still trying to bring in Neymar, Bernardo Silva, and more players. Similar to Gerrard, the current Roma manager, Jose Mourinho also for an offer from Al-Hilal which he rejected. While Al-Ettifaq have not been able to sign any European players, they will still try their best to bring Gerrard as their coach.
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