Steven Gerrard LEAVES Al-Ettifaq with club in relegation scrap

Steven Gerrard left the Saudi-Arab side Al-Attifaq after 18 months, has announced the club.

On Wednesday reports had emerged that Gerrard was in conversation to leave his position, with the club five points above the relegation.

Al-Etifaq, which was completed sixth last season, only won one of their last 14 league games.

The Saudi Pro League side confirmed the departure of Gerrard through a mutual agreement, in which the former Liverpool star left his role of £ 15 million a year.

In a statement, Gerrard said that it had been a 'positive experience' for him and his family, but acknowledged the bad results of the club this season.

'I want to express my thanks to the club, the players, the fans and everyone involved in the chance and support during my time here, especially the president, Mr Samer, CEO Mr. Hamad and the head of the football committee Mr. .

'I express my thanks for Mr Samer and Mr. Hatim from the first day that I was warmly welcomed, and I enjoyed the opportunity to work with a different culture in a new country.

'So in general I have learned a lot and it has been a positive experience and also for my family, but football is unpredictable, and sometimes things don't go the way we want.

'However, I leave with great respect for the club and the country.

“I have no doubt that the work that is done will bring success in the future, and I wish the team the very best for the rest of the season.”

Call for Gerrard to resign have been intensified in recent months after a modest cup output, personnel facilities and public relations disasters.

A 2-2 draw on Al-Wedha on Saturday marked his last game at the helm, with Al-Etifaq to the 12th in an 18-team competition.

Al-Etifaq had supported Gerrard when he arrived by signing Jordan Henderson, Georginio Wijnaldum, Demarai Gray and Jack Hendry in the summer of 2023 and he led them to an improvement of one place. Armed with a deal until 2027, this was a project with room for growth.

However, cracks began to appear when Henderson wanted to go to Ajax within six months, and Gerrard has trouble holding his staff.

In November 2024 Al -Tifaq fired his assistant Dean Holden and sports director Mark Allen – but Gerrard clung to his work.

He has confronted with increasing control of the fans and the media and tensions that reached the boiling point when supporters shouted that he would 'come out' after a 2-0 loss for local rivals al-Qadsiah.

Gerrard was reunited with his former Rangers assistant Michael Beale in November, but this could not increase the results.

Despite the disappointing season, Al-Intifaq President Samer already claimed Miseehal that Gerrard has changed the club 'because he confirmed a' friendly 'end to their relationship.

“First and foremost, we expand our genuine gratitude to Steven for his dedication and hard work during his time at the club,” said Mishhal.

'Sometimes things do not go as planned, but the founders he helped will guarantee a bright future in the long term.

“He has changed the club for the better, and that will never be forgotten. This decision, taken with mutual respect and in accordance, is in the best interest of both Steven and the club while we continue.

'While this chapter is coming to an end, our work will stay, football never stops nor our ambition, and we remain fully focused on the challenges and opportunities that lie in front of us.

'With the rest of the season to play for, our dedication to success remains unwavering.

“We rely on our players, employees and fans to push together, and we will remain fully committed to our efforts to achieve our goals.”

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