Can Steven Gerrard reignite his managerial career in Saudi Arabia

05/07/23 959

Steven Gerrard has been named manager of Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq, joining a host of high-profile players and coaches in the Middle Eastern country.

The former England and Liverpool midfielder has signed a two-year contract with the club, taking up his first job since being sacked as Aston Villa manager back in October.

Following Cristiano Ronaldo’s transfer to Al-Nassr last year, big-name stars such as Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kante, Kalidou Koulibaly, Edouard Mendy, Marcelo Brozovic and Ruben Neves have moved to the Saudi Pro League.

Now, Gerrard has followed in the footsteps of notable managers like Jorge Jesus and Nuno Espirito Santo, hoping to reignite his career in Saudi Arabia.

Gerrard started his managerial career at Scottish club Rangers, arriving at Ibrox in June 2018. After taking the Gers to the Scottish League Cup final in 2019-20, the Merseysider guided his side to the 2020-21 Scottish Premiership title.

Between June 2018 and November 2021, Gerrard oversaw 193 matches as Rangers manager, recording 125 wins, 42 draws and 26 losses. As a result, he posted a win ratio of 64.8%.

Gerrard left Rangers for Premier League outfit Aston Villa in November 2021. However, he lasted less than 12 months at Villa Park, receiving his marching orders in October 2022.

Having made a name for himself in Scotland, many believed that Gerrard would take the Premier League by storm, but the 43-year-old struggled to adapt to the demands of England’s top flight.

Recording 13 wins, eight draws and 19 losses in 40 games as Villa manager, Gerrard left the club with a win ratio of 32.5%. To put things into perspective, his win ratio at Rangers was almost twice as successful.

Al-Ettifaq finished seventh out of 16 teams in the Saudi Pro League last season, 35 points behind champions Al-Ittihad.

Gerrard will be able to call upon Brazilian duo Vitinho and Paulo Victor, Frenchman Youssouf Niakate, Tunisian Naim Sliti, Swede Robin Quiason and Turk Berat Ozdemir.

Given Gerrard’s standing within world football, the Englishman is expected to attract other high-profile players to Al-Ettifaq before the start of the 2023-24 Saudi Pro League season, which kicks off on August 11.

After thriving in Scotland with Rangers, Gerrard flattered to deceive at Aston Villa. However, Saudi Arabia could prove to be the ideal destination for the 43-year-old to reignite his managerial career.