- Steven Gerrard departed as Al-Ettifaq supervisor by mutual consent on Thursday
- 45-year-old known as transfer a ‘constructive expertise’ in assertion shared by the membership
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Steven Gerrard has given his first assertion since departing Saudi Arabian aspect Al-Ettifaq.
After a quick stint answerable for Aston Villa, Gerrard turned one of many highest-profile managerial additions to the Saudi Professional League when he took over at Al-Ettifaq in July 2023.
Gerrard’s arrival on the Dammam-based membership was adopted by a number of high-profile signings together with Moussa Dembele, Demarai Grey and former Liverpool midfield duo Jordan Henderson and Georginio Wijnaldum.
Nonetheless, regardless of ending sixth and agreeing an extension to his £15m-per-year contract in his maiden marketing campaign, Gerrard’s place on the membership got here beneath growing scrutiny following a dismal run this season.
After profitable their first three league matches, of their subsequent 11 Saudi Professional League fixtures Al-Ettifaq proceeded to safe simply six factors out of a attainable 33.
The disaster got here to a head on Thursday, with the membership releasing an announcement saying that Gerrard can be departing by ‘mutual consent’.
Steven Gerrard has launched an announcement after he departed Saudi Professional League aspect Al-Ettifaq
The previous England star leaves the membership within the midst of a dismal run of type with simply 1 league win of their final 11 video games
Gerrard arrived at Al-Ettifaq in the summertime of 2023 in a deal price £15million-per-year
Regardless of a disappointing finish to his time in cost, Gerrard insisted in an announcement following his departure that working in Saudi Arabia had been a ‘constructive expertise’ for him and his household.
It learn: ‘I need to specific my gratitude to the membership, the gamers, the followers, and everybody concerned for the chance and the help throughout my time right here, particularly the president, Mr. Samer, CEO Mr. Hamad and the pinnacle of soccer committee Mr. Hatim.’
‘I specific my gratitude for Mr. Samer and Mr. Hatim from the primary day I used to be warmly welcomed, and I’ve loved the possibility to work in a brand new nation with a distinct tradition.
‘So general I’ve learnt lots and it has been a constructive expertise personally and for my household as nicely however soccer is unpredictable, and generally issues do not go the way in which we wish.
‘Nonetheless, I depart with nice respect for the membership and the nation.
‘I’ve little doubt that the work being completed will deliver success sooner or later, and I want the workforce the perfect for the remainder of the season.’
Al-Ettifaq at present sit twelfth within the league desk, simply 5 factors above the relegation zone.
Following Gerrard’s departure the membership’s English language social media accounts paid tribute to the previous England midfielder with a 45-second video on social media.
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