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January 19, 2024
The manager extends the contract until 2027 when the captain joins Ajax from the Saudi Pro League club.
After agreeing to a contract extension, Steven Gerrard may stay in charge of Al Ettifaq, a Saudi Pro League team, until at least 2027.
After initially declining the position, the former Rangers and Aston Villa coach moved to Saudi Arabia in the summer on a two-year contract.
However, Gerrard has had a difficult start. His team hasn’t won a game since October, and they are currently eighth in the table, 28 points behind leaders Al-Hilal.
And this week, after just 19 games for Ettifaq, midfielder Jordan Henderson, the captain and another summer arrival from England, left the team to sign with Dutch powerhouse Ajax.
Even so, Gerrard, the former captain of England and Liverpool, has pledged to remain in the kingdom for the long run. Ettifaq seems impressed with the progress made off the field.
“As a club, we know where we want to go, and we know we want Steven to lead us on the journey ahead,” said club president Samer Al Misehal.
“There are no shortcuts to success and Steven’s personal work ethic, his leadership qualities and his commitment to the project has shown everyone at the club just what it will take to compete at the highest level.”
“We have a proud history, and I believe we are now on the right path to return to former glories. We just have to keep going step by step. Steven will be given time and resources to continue on this journey and build something special.”
Regarding Gerrard, the 43-year-old expressed gratitude for the support he has had since joining the team.
“This is very pleasing for myself and my family and feels like recognition for a lot of hard work and commitment,” said Gerrard. “We knew at the beginning this was a big job and a challenging job.”
“We had to put in place new infrastructure like building a new training ground in phases and building a new stadium. But a lot has been achieved.”
“It’s a relationship with me and the management team above me that’s growing, that’s building, it’s getting stronger, and I’m really looking forward to the future.”
Premier League Villa fired Gerrard after less than a year in charge. While he acknowledged that football is a fickle sport, Gerrard believed the team’s fortunes would soon turn around.
“I also understand my position, it’s a results business,” he added. “I never take that for granted. I understand where we are in the league, but I am very confident we will improve.”
“The window is open at the moment, and we’re working to try to identify players who could come and support the current group of players to make us more competitive at the top end of the table. ”
“There will need to be an element of patience as there is still a lot to do on and off the pitch.”
Henderson and his family supposedly had difficulties adjusting to life in the Middle East. Still, Gerrard quickly emphasized that his experience has only been good.
“Before taking the job I’d never been to Saudi Arabia before, and it’s been the complete opposite of the perception that I had before.”
“Since I’ve arrived, I’ve had an incredible welcome. The people have been outstanding. They’ve gone above and beyond to help us settle. My family has been all in, in terms of embracing the new adventure, a new challenge.”
“We wanted to make the most of this and the family have settled extremely well. I’m happy. I’m excited. And that’s why I’m pleased to extend because we’re all enjoying the journey so far.”
“The easy decision would be to stay in Liverpool, to wait for jobs. But as a family, we decided we wanted something a little bit outside the box.”
“I’ve learnt about adapting to a new culture, a new league, making new friends, facing new challenges. I think that has made me a better person and a better coach and also made me mature a bit more as well.”
Currently, on a winter break in the United Arab Emirates, Ettifaq will play three friendlies while in camp before playing their first competitive match in the SPL on February 15 against Al Khaleej.
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Katarzyna Nowak is a seasoned writer with over five years of experience in editorial content, news reporting, and football sportsbook app reviews. As an author for Football News Today, she combines her deep understanding of the sports betting industry with a passion for football, delivering insightful and accurate content that keeps readers informed and engaged.
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