Steven Gerrard has decided to part ways with Saudi Arabian club Al-Ettifaq after a challenging 18-month tenure, the club confirmed in a recent announcement.

The move follows reports on Wednesday that the former Liverpool captain was in talks to leave his position, with the team sitting just five points above the relegation zone in the Saudi Pro League.

A Tough Run of Results Leads to Gerrard’s Departure

Al-Ettifaq has been struggling this season, managing to win just one of their last 14 league games.

This poor form, coupled with their disappointing standing in the league, made the decision to part ways with Gerrard a necessity.

The club had finished sixth the previous season, but their recent struggles led to the mutual agreement that it was time for a change.

Gerrard Reflects on His Time in Saudi Arabia

In a statement following the announcement, Gerrard expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to manage in Saudi Arabia and acknowledged the warm welcome he received from everyone involved with the club.

He admitted that the season’s results had been tough to deal with but highlighted the positive experiences he had while working in a new country and culture.

“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,” Gerrard said.

“Football is unpredictable, and sometimes things don’t go the way we want.”

A Positive Experience Despite the Challenges

While admitting the season hadn’t gone as planned, Gerrard remained optimistic about the future of the club.

He praised the efforts of the people around him, including club president Samer, CEO Hamad, and head of the football committee, Hatim.

Despite the difficult season, he felt the experience was enriching both for him and his family.

“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,” Gerrard concluded.

Looking Ahead

With Gerrard’s departure, Al-Ettifaq will now look to find a new manager to turn around the club’s fortunes and avoid the looming threat of relegation.

As for Gerrard, his future in management remains uncertain, but his time in Saudi Arabia has no doubt added valuable experience to his career.

This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!

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