Steven Gerrard is no longer the head coach of Al Ettifaq

Former England international Steven Gerrard has officially left Al Ettifaq by mutual agreement, bringing an end to a tenure that ultimately failed to live up to expectations.

The Saudi club, currently sitting 12th in the league, confirmed his departure in an official statement on Thursday, thanking him for his contributions while acknowledging that results had not met the desired standards. Gerrard’s time in Saudi Arabia was seen as an opportunity to revive his managerial career after a difficult spell in the Premier League, but after a year and a half in charge, his exit reflects the growing demands and competitive nature of the Saudi Pro League, where significant investments have raised expectations for both players and coaches.

Having spent almost his entire playing career as a Liverpool icon, Gerrard arrived at Al Ettifaq in July 2023 as part of a wave of high-profile appointments aimed at increasing the league’s global stature. His decision to take on the challenge in Saudi Arabia came after a successful spell at Rangers, where he led the club to a historic Scottish Premiership title in the 2020-21 season, ending Celtic’s nine-year dominance. His achievements in Scotland earned him a move to Aston Villa, where he initially showed promise but struggled to maintain consistency, ultimately being dismissed after just 11 months. Seeking a fresh challenge, he embraced the opportunity to manage in Saudi Arabia, where he was given the resources to build a competitive squad. However, despite the backing of the club, his time at Al Ettifaq never quite took off, as he struggled to turn the team into a genuine force in the league.

Despite early optimism, Gerrard’s tenure at Al Ettifaq was marked by inconsistency and frustration. The club made several high-profile signings under his leadership, including Jordan Henderson, Georginio Wijnaldum, Moussa Dembélé, and Jack Hendry, with the expectation that these experienced players would help elevate the team’s performance. Henderson’s signing, in particular, was seen as a significant statement of intent, as the former Liverpool captain was expected to bring leadership and stability to the midfield. However, his controversial departure to Ajax just six months later disrupted the squad and raised questions about the club’s long-term strategy.

Results on the pitch were equally disappointing, as Al Ettifaq struggled to find consistency. The team frequently dropped points against lower-ranked opponents and failed to compete with the league’s dominant sides, such as Al Hilal, Al Nassr, and Al-Ittihad. Defensive vulnerabilities and a lack of cutting edge in attack became recurring issues, preventing the team from climbing higher in the standings. As pressure mounted, speculation about Gerrard’s future increased, with growing concerns over his ability to turn things around. Ultimately, the club opted for a change in direction, bringing an end to his tenure. In their farewell message, Al Ettifaq acknowledged his contributions, stating that sometimes things don’t go as planned but that the foundations he helped build would ensure a bright future. They praised his impact on the club and assured that he would not be forgotten.

Despite the disappointing end to his tenure, Gerrard leaves Al Ettifaq having played a role in the club’s growing international recognition. His appointment was part of the Saudi Pro League’s broader ambition to attract top footballing talent and managerial expertise, and his presence in the league added further credibility to the project. The rapid growth of Saudi football has made it a highly competitive environment, where even experienced managers like Gerrard are under immense pressure to deliver results.

As he departs, attention now turns to his next step in management. Gerrard remains a respected figure in football, and while his reputation has taken a hit after difficult spells at Aston Villa and Al Ettifaq, his successful tenure at Rangers proves that he is capable of leading a team to silverware. A return to European football could be on the horizon, with potential opportunities in England or Scotland, where his experience and knowledge of the game remain valuable. Meanwhile, Al Ettifaq must now begin the search for a new head coach who can stabilize the club and push them toward a higher league position. With the financial backing available in Saudi football, they are likely to seek a high-profile replacement, whether from Europe or the Middle East.

Gerrard’s departure also highlights the increasing expectations within the Saudi Pro League. The influx of world-class players and coaches has significantly raised the level of competition, making it a league where managers are expected to produce immediate results. Al Hilal, coached by Jorge Jesus, currently leads the Saudi Pro League alongside Al-Ittihad, managed by Laurent Blanc, both sitting on 43 points. Al Nassr, where Cristiano Ronaldo plays, is in fourth place, trailing by eight points. With so many top clubs competing for supremacy, the league has become an intense environment where patience is limited, and managerial changes are frequent.

While Gerrard’s time in Saudi Arabia may not have brought the success he had hoped for, his experience reflects the evolving landscape of football in the region. Managing in the Saudi Pro League is no longer simply about bringing in big names; it requires tactical adaptability and the ability to deliver results under significant pressure. His exit marks the end of another chapter in his managerial career, but the focus now shifts to what comes next. Whether he looks for a fresh start in European football or considers another opportunity abroad remains to be seen, but his ambition to succeed as a coach remains intact.