Steven Gerrard ‘set to be appointed as Al Ettifaq manager’

Steven Gerrard 'set to be appointed as Al Ettifaq manager'

Liverpool legend, Steven Gerrard is set to return to managerial duties as he has reportedly agreed to become the manager of Saudi outfit Al Ettifaq FC. A photo of the former Rangers and Aston Villa boss at an airport in Saudi Arabia was leaked in a tweet by Olt Sports this morning, Monday, June 12. They captioned it: ‘JUST IN: Steven Gerrard has arrived in Dammam Saudi Arabia to coach Al-Ettifaq!’ ✅ JUST IN: Steven Gerrard has arrived in Dammam Saudi Arabia to coach Al-Ettifaq! 🔴🟢🔴 pic.twitter.com/TyE7hQk8Kh — Olt Sports (@oltsport_) June 12, 2023 Gerrard, who was sacked by Aston Villa in October, had previously been linked with the vacant jobs at Leeds and Leicester. Al Ettifaq are keen to appoint him, with one source close to the possible deal telling Reuters: “Al Ettifaq made an offer to Gerrard. He welcomed the idea, but asked for time to study the offer.” Al Ettifaq competes in the Saudi Pro League, the same division as Cristiano Ronaldo’s side Al Nassr. They finished 7th this season and 35 points behind champions Al Ittihad, Karim Benzema’s new club.

Steven Gerrard 'set to be appointed as Al Ettifaq manager'

Gerrard overseeing an Aston Villa match. Source: Getty Should he join Al Ettifaq, Steven Gerrard will be taking charge of the third senior club of his management career. Following a spell as a youth coach at Liverpool, he joined Rangers and won the Scottish Premiership in his third season. Gerrard then left in November 2021 to make the move to Villa, although results at the club were mixed. He endured a dreadful start to the 2022/23 campaign and was relieved of his duties at Villa Park two months into the season.

Steven Gerrard 'set to be appointed as Al Ettifaq manager'

Gerrard on managerial duties. Source: Getty However, Al Ettifaq could offer him the chance to revitalise his managerial career in a league that’s attracting some of the biggest stars in world football. Al Ettifaq FC Gerrard’s star players will include strikers Youssoufou Niakaté and Robin Quaison, who scored 14 goals between them last season. The Saudi Pro League is already seeing many big names from Europe fly over to join clubs in the division.

Steven Gerrard reportedly getting set to become Poland’s coach

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English football legend, Steven Gerrard has emerged as a shock candidate to become Poland’s new head coach after their poor performance at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Steven Gerrard reportedly in talks to become Poland's coach

Poland is looking to replace former manager Czeslaw Michniewicz, whose contract was not renewed after a 3-1 defeat to France in the World Cup round of 16 last December. Polish publication Meczyki reported that the country’s FA has already made contact with Gerrard who has been out of job for the past two months after being sacked by Aston Villa. Other names on the list are Roberto Martinez, who became Portugal’s manager on Monday after parting ways with Belgium, and Herve Renard, the Saudi Arabia coach who masterminded a stunning 2-1 victory over eventual World Cup winners Argentina.

Steven Gerrard reportedly in talks to become Poland's coach

Other coaches considered include Vladimir Petković, Paulo Bento, and Nenad Bjelica. The Polish options are Marek Papszun or Jan Urban. Gerrard started his managerial career with Scottish Premiership giants Rangers in 2018 following a short stint with Liverpool’s U18s and U19s. He gave the club its first title in 10 years in 2021, managing to go an entire year unbeaten. The Liverpool legend was appointed as Aston Villa’s coach in November 2021. He was however sacked this season following a 3-0 defeat to Fulham in October.