Steven Gerrard has signed a two-year contract extension with Saudi Arabian club Al-Ettifaq.
The Liverpool icon assumed leadership of the Middle Eastern team in July 2023, yet has suffered a rocky start to life in his new role with some reports in recent weeks indicating he was at risk of getting sacked. Al-Ettifaq currently sits eighth in the division rankings, 28 points behind leaders Al-Hilal.
Jordan Henderson, one of Gerrard’s marquee summer recruits, suddenly appears to be on the verge of leaving Al-Ettifaq. Henderson is on the verge of signing for Ajax after agreeing to cancel his three-year contract.
Such news did not appear to stop Gerrard from his task at hand, with the Athletic claiming that he had decided to extend his tenure as manager of the Saudi club. This deal will keep the 43-year-old at the club until 2027.
This news comes following speculations that the former Reds captain was under increasing pressure in Saudi Arabia as a result of his team’s disappointing season so far. Al-Ettifaq signed Gini Wijnaldum, Demarai Grey, and Moussa Dembele, and were anticipated to compete at the top of the standings.
Gerrard’s team haven’t won a league match since October, a run of eight games, and the 2005 Champions League winner was compelled to take responsibility for the predicament The club’s most recent match was a 1-1 draw with Al-Hazem, who are at the bottom of the league, on December 28.
“I am the first to hold responsibility and I will not blame anyone,” he told reporters. “I am aware of our financial capabilities, and we have the opportunity to make additions that will benefit the squad. Other teams have players who have scored 13 goals. Moussa scored eight goals, Gini six, while the rest scored one or two.
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