Steven Gerrard has left Saudi Arabian side Al-Ettifaq after 18 months in charge, the club has announced.
Reports had emerged on Wednesday that Gerrard was in talks to leave his position, with the club five points above the relegation places.
Al-Ettifaq, who had finished sixth last season, have won just one of their last 14 league games.
The Saudi Pro League side confirmed Gerrard’s departure via a mutual agreement, with the former Liverpool star leaving his £15million per year role.
In a statement, Gerrard said it had been a ‘positive experience’ for him and his family, but acknowledged the club’s poor results this season.
‘I want to express my gratitude to the club, the players, the fans, and everyone involved for the opportunity and the support during my time here, especially the president, Mr. Samer, CEO Mr. Hamad and the head of football committee Mr. Hatim,’ Gerrard said.
Steven Gerrard has left his role as Al-Ettifaq boss after 18 months in charge of the club
The Saudi Pro League club confirmed Gerrard has left his £15million-a-year position
‘I express my gratitude for Mr. Samer and Mr. Hatim from the first day I was warmly welcomed, and I have enjoyed the chance to work in a new country with a different culture.
‘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.
‘However, I leave with great respect for the club and the country.
‘I have no doubt that the work being done will bring success in the future, and I wish the team the very best for the rest of the season.’
Calls for Gerrard to resign had intensified in recent months after a humbling cup exit, staff sackings, and public relations disasters.
A 2-2 draw at Al-Wedha on Saturday marked his final game at the helm, with Al-Ettifaq slumping to 12th in an 18-team league.
Al-Ettifaq had backed Gerrard when he arrived by signing Jordan Henderson, Georginio Wijnaldum, Demarai Gray, and Jack Hendry over the summer of 2023 and he led them to a one-place improvement. Armed with a deal until 2027, this was a project with room for growth.
However, cracks began to appear when Henderson wanted out within six months, moving to Ajax, and Gerrard has struggled to hold on to his staff.
The Liverpool legend arrived to optimism in the summer of 2023 but failed to achieve success
Gerrard led Al-Ettifaq to sixth last season but the club have one win in 14 league games
Jordan Henderson’s decision to leave after a few months last season marked a pivotal moment
Gerrard has also lost key allies such as assistant Dean Holden, who was sacked in November
In November 2024, Al-Ettifaq sacked his assistant Dean Holden as well as sporting director Mark Allen – but Gerrard clung on to his job.
He has faced increasing scrutiny from the fans and the media and tensions reaching boiling point when supporters shouted for him to ‘get out’ after a 2-0 loss to local rivals Al-Qadsiah.
Gerrard had been reunited with his former Rangers assistant Michael Beale in November, but this failed to provide an uplift in results.
Despite the disappointing season, Al-Ettifaq president Samer Al Misehal claimed Gerrard has ‘change the club for the better’, as he confirmed an ‘amicable’ end to their relationship.
‘First and foremost, we extend our sincere gratitude to Steven for his dedication and hard work during his time with the club,’ Al Misehal said.
‘Sometimes things don’t go as planned, but the firm foundations he helped build will guarantee a bright future in the long term.
‘He changed the club for the better, and that will never be forgotten. This decision, made with mutual respect and in agreement, is in the best interest of both Steven and the club as we move forward.
Fans have long been calling for Gerrard to resign for some time amid a difficult campaign
Gerrard’s side are 12th in the Saudi Pro League and just five points above the relegation zone
‘While this chapter comes to a close, our work continues, football never stops nor does our ambition, and we remain fully focused on the challenges and opportunities ahead.
‘With the rest of the season still to play for, our commitment to success remains unwavering.
‘We trust in our players, staff, and fans to push forward together, and we will continue to be fully committed in our efforts to reach our goals.’
