Steven Gerrard, the former Liverpool and England midfielder, has inked a two-year contract extension, prolonging his tenure as the head coach of Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq until 2027. The deal, signed last summer for an initial two-year term, reflects the club’s faith in Gerrard’s leadership and vision.
Ambitious Plans and Infrastructure Development
Gerrard, who reportedly commands one of the highest managerial salaries globally, expressed his satisfaction, stating, “This is very pleasing for myself and my family and feels like recognition for a lot of hard work and commitment.” Under Gerrard’s guidance, Al-Ettifaq has undergone significant infrastructure development, including the construction of a new training ground in phases and the initiation of plans for a new stadium.
While Gerrard’s impact on the club’s infrastructure has been noteworthy, Al-Ettifaq faced challenges on the field during the current season. The team, currently occupying the eighth position in the Saudi Pro League table, experienced a slump in form before the mid-season break, going winless in their last eight matches.
The contract extension announcement coincided with the departure of England midfielder Jordan Henderson, who joined Ajax. Henderson, a marquee signing for Al-Ettifaq last July, contributed to the team’s progress. Gerrard acknowledged the league position but expressed confidence in improvement, stating, “The [transfer] window is open at the moment, and we’re working to try to identify players who could come and support the current group of players, to make us more competitive at the top end of the table.”
Gerrard’s Managerial Journey
Gerrard, retired from playing since 2016, embarked on his managerial journey with Scottish club Rangers in 2018. His impactful tenure led Rangers to their first Scottish Premiership title in a decade during the 2020-21 season. In November 2021, Gerrard took charge at Aston Villa, but his stint concluded in 2022 after 13 wins from 40 games.
As Steven Gerrard extends his contract with Al-Ettifaq, the club aims for sustained growth and success in the Saudi Pro League. Gerrard’s ambitious plans for infrastructure and team improvement underscore his dedication to transforming Al-Ettifaq into a formidable force in Saudi Arabian football.
