Steven Gerrard Leaves Al Ettifaq After 18 Months in Charge

Steven Gerrard has left his role as manager of Saudi club Al Ettifaq by mutual consent after 18 months in charge, with the team currently 12th in the Saudi Pro League.

Former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has left his role as manager of Saudi club Al Ettifaq after 18 months in charge. The departure was mutually agreed upon, the club announced on Thursday. Gerrard had taken over as Al Ettifaq's coach in the summer of 2023 and had signed a new deal just a year ago, extending his contract until 2027.

Steven Gerrard has asked to leave Al Ettifaq imminently, according to various reports.

The pair are set to part ways through a mutual agreement 🤝 pic.twitter.com/Pb35J4fbuk

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) January 29, 2025

The club released a statement confirming Gerrard's departure, stating, “Ettifaq football club and Steven Gerrard have mutually agreed to part company.” Gerrard's tenure at Al Ettifaq saw the team finish sixth last season, but he leaves with the club currently sitting 12th in the 18-team Saudi Pro League, having lost eight of their 17 matches.

🚨🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Steven Gerrard has left Al Ettifaq with immediate effect, mutual agreement has been reached.

He’s back in Europe from Saudi Arabia. pic.twitter.com/mMB2vQlTrh

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 30, 2025

Gerrard expressed his gratitude for the experience, saying, “From the first day I was warmly welcomed and I have enjoyed the chance to work in a new country with a different culture.” He added, “So overall I have learnt a lot and it's been a positive experience personally and for my family as well. But football is unpredictable and sometimes things don't go the way we want.” Gerrard took charge of 59 matches during his time at Al Ettifaq, securing 23 wins.