Steven Gerrard departs Al-Ettifaq amid mounting pressure

In Saudi Arabia, Steven Gerrard concluded his 18-month tenure as head coach of Al-Ettifaq, parting ways with the club as they found themselves near the relegation zone. Appointed in the summer of 2023 with a high profile and a lucrative contract, Gerrard's time at the club started promisingly with a sixth-place finish in his first season. However, his second season saw a dramatic decline in results, with only two wins out of 14 matches, leading to increased pressure and calls for his resignation. Throughout his tenure, Gerrard's management attracted significant attention, particularly after bringing in major signings like Jordan Henderson, who later left the club for Ajax after just six months. In light of a series of disappointing performances, including a notable early exit from the King Cup against lower division opposition, the atmosphere grew increasingly hostile, with fans expressing their dissatisfaction vocalically during matches. Gerrard's final weeks were marred by boos as he attempted to engage with supporters after losses. In a mutual agreement, both Gerrard and Al-Ettifaq decided it was in their best interests to part ways. The decision was communicated positively by both parties, underscoring the respect maintained throughout the ordeal. Gerrard expressed gratitude for the support he received during his time in Saudi Arabia and highlighted the personal growth he experienced while adapting to a new culture with his family. Although he recognized the unpredictable nature of football, he remained hopeful for the club’s future despite leaving under challenging circumstances. Meanwhile, Al-Ettifaq’s club president publicly acknowledged Gerrard's contributions and emphasized the importance of the foundations laid during his time, signaling a commitment to build on past efforts. With the pressure mounting for both sides, the departure aims to set the stage for a possible revival in the club's fortunes moving forward.