Steven Gerrard has been appointed as the new head coach of Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq, the club have confirmed.
“Where legends are found. We’re thrilled to announce Steven Gerrard is our new head coach,” said the club in a post on Twitter.
The former Rangers and Aston Villa manager had recently distanced himself from the role but has seemingly had a change of heart. In June, Gerrard said he “received an invitation to look at a potential offer” but that he would not be going ahead.
Where legends are found ❤️💚
— Ettifaq Club (@Ettifaq_EN) July 3, 2023
We’re thrilled to announce Steven Gerrard is our new head coach ✍️#GerrardEttifaqi pic.twitter.com/hgeHl1Djnu
Al-Ettifaq finished seventh in the table last season under Gerrard’s predecessor Antonio Cazorla and will be aiming to improve under the new appointment in a competition has increased in quality following the intervention of the country’s Public Investment Fund, which has taken over four clubs, not including Al-Ettifaq.
The Liverpool legend began his managerial career at Rangers in 2018, after retiring from playing two years earlier, where he won the 2020-21 Scottish Premiership but moved to Aston Villa in November of the same year. Despite a positive start at Villa Park, the team struggled to maintain form, winning 13 of his 40 matches in charge before being dismissed. He was eventually replaced by Unai Emery, who reversed their fortunes last season, qualifying for Europe by finishing seventh in the table.
Gerrard, 43, has been out of work since being sacked by Villa in October at 11 months in charge. He is the latest big name to move to Saudi Arabia, after a huge push in the country to improve the country’s domestic league.
Midfielder Marcelo Brozovic joined Saudi Arabia’s Al-Nassr on a three-year contract from Internazionale on Monday, it was announced. The Croatian played won the Serie A title with Internazionale and started the Champions League final against Manchester City but has opted to head to Saudi Arabia in a deal worth around £17.5m.
There will be no shortage of familiar faces for Gerrard and Brozovic in the Saudi Pro League, with Cristiano Ronaldo at Al Nassr and Karim Benzema at Al Ittihad, while Edouard Mendy, Kalidou Koulibaly and N’Golo Kanté have departed Chelsea to move to the country.
