Gerrard Faces New Challenges in Saudi Arabia as Season Begins
- Steven Gerrard enters his second season as the manager of Al Ettifaq.
- Arne Slot will manage his first Premier League match at Anfield, the home of Liverpool F.C.
- The discussion continues on the possibility of Gerrard becoming Jurgen Klopp's successor.
As the new football season kicks off, Steven Gerrard is preparing for a pivotal year at Al-Ettifaq in Saudi Arabia, following a tumultuous stint at Aston Villa. In a recent interview, Gerrard reflected on his time at Villa, acknowledging the pain of that experience and emphasizing the need for personal growth and adaptation. With less scrutiny in his second season at Al-Ettifaq, he aims to build on last year's sixth-place finish and elevate the club's performance. Al-Ettifaq, unlike the powerhouse clubs in the Saudi Pro League backed by the Public Investment Fund, faces challenges in attracting top talent. This season, the team will rely on players like Dembele and Gray, who have shown varying levels of performance. While Gray has struggled to meet expectations since his transfer from Everton, Dembele has been more effective, scoring 12 goals in 25 appearances. The disparity in talent compared to Gerrard's previous squad at Villa, which included stars like Philippe Coutinho and Ollie Watkins, adds pressure on the manager to deliver results. Despite these challenges, the closing months of last season provided a glimmer of hope for Al-Ettifaq. The club is actively seeking innovative strategies to enhance their competitiveness in the league. As the season unfolds, Gerrard's managerial journey will be closely watched, serving as a subplot in the broader narrative of the Saudi Pro League.