The Saudi Pro League has witnessed its first major managerial casualty of the season, as Steven Gerrard‘s ambitious project at Al Ettifaq has come to an abrupt end. The Liverpool legend departed the club by mutual consent, a decision that sends ripples through the Middle Eastern football landscape and marks another intriguing chapter in Gerrard’s budding coaching career. This Banglawin88 exclusive delves deep into the tactical missteps, transfer market gambles, and the underlying reasons behind this premature divorce.
The Final Straw: A Season of Stagnation
Steven Gerrard leaves with Al Ettifaq languishing in a precarious 12th position in the 18-team Saudi Pro League. The most damning statistic is the mere five-point buffer separating the club from the relegation zone, a stark contrast to the lofty ambitions that accompanied his high-profile arrival in July 2023. The decision, while mutual, follows a dire run of form, with the team securing only two victories in their last 14 league outings. The final nail in the coffin appeared to be a recent 2-2 draw with second-bottom side Al Wehda FC, a result that highlighted the team’s defensive fragilities and inability to close out games against direct rivals.
A Project That Promised More
When Gerrard took the helm, he was the face of a new era for Al Ettifaq, a club looking to establish itself among the growing giants of Saudi football. His initial impact was positive, guiding the team to a respectable sixth-place finish in his debut season, laying what seemed to be a solid foundation for future growth. This progress was deemed significant enough for the club’s hierarchy to reward him with a two-year contract extension in January 2024, a deal that was supposed to tie him to the club until 2027.
The club backed their manager in the transfer market, making statement signings designed to implement Gerrard’s philosophy. The most notable was the acquisition of his former Liverpool captain, Jordan Henderson, alongside Dutch international Georginio Wijnaldum and English winger Demarai Gray. This strategy was clear: import a core of players familiar with the manager’s methods and the intensity of the Premier League.
Where Did It Unravel? A Banglawin88 Tactical Deep Dive
Despite the initial promise and financial backing, the project quickly lost momentum. The much-hyped reunion with Jordan Henderson turned sour, as the English midfielder departed for Ajax after less than six months, a move that severely undermined the team’s core and the project’s credibility.
From a tactical perspective, analysts at Banglawin88 observed a team that often lacked a clear identity. While defensively structured, Al Ettifaq frequently struggled to create consistent goal-scoring opportunities, making them predictable and easy to nullify for opposition teams. The reliance on experienced imports also seemed to stunt the development of local talent, creating a disjointed squad dynamic.
As one of our resident tactical experts, Mark Thompson, notes, “Gerrard‘s system at Rangers was built on relentless pressing and verticality. In Saudi Arabia, the different climate and stylistic nuances of the league required adaptation. There seemed to be a struggle to evolve his core principles to suit the new environment, leading to a team that was solid but ultimately unspectacular and ineffective.”
A Managerial Crossroads
This exit represents Gerrard’s third managerial role since retiring from playing in 2016, each with varying degrees of success. His stint at Rangers was undoubtedly a triumph, breaking Celtic’s dominance and delivering the Scottish Premiership title in 2021 in an unbeaten season. However, his move to Aston Villa proved difficult, resulting in dismissal after a poor run of form with just 13 wins from 40 games.
His time in Saudi Arabia will be viewed as a mixed bag—a valuable learning experience in a unique footballing culture that ultimately didn’t yield the desired results. In his departing statement, Gerrard expressed gratitude, saying, “I want to express my gratitude to the club, the players, the fans… I have learned a lot, and it’s been a positive experience personally and for my family as well.”
Club president Samer Al Misheal reciprocated the respect, stating, “He changed the club for the better, and that will never be forgotten. This decision… is in the best interest of both Steven and the club.”
What’s Next for Steven Gerrard and Al Ettifaq?
The football world now waits to see where the former England captain will turn up next. A return to British football seems likely, though he may have to prove himself again at a slightly lower level before another top job emerges.
For Al Ettifaq, the search for a new manager begins immediately. The new appointee will inherit a squad with some talented players but one that requires immediate attention to steer clear of a relegation battle and rediscover the early promise of the Gerrard era.
Steven Gerrard’s Al Ettifaq Exit: A Banglawin88 Analysis of What Went Wrong
Steven Gerrard’s departure from Al Ettifaq is a stark reminder of the volatile nature of football management, especially in a league as ambitious and rapidly evolving as Saudi Arabia’s. While his tenure brought initial progress and global attention, a failure to adapt tactically and key transfer miscalculations led to an inevitable separation. Where do you think Gerrard’s next move should be? Could this experience ultimately benefit his managerial journey in the long term? Share your thoughts and analysis with us.
