Steven Gerrard‘s decision to move to Saudi Arabia to manage Al-Ettifaq was certainly unexpected to say the least.
The move certainly came with a number of challenges. While the former Liverpool captain embarked on this venture with optimism, the journey has been far from straightforward.
His side has struggled so far this campaign with Gerrard coming under fire for Al-Ettifaq’s performances.
For fans and pundits alike, his time in Saudi Arabia has raised questions about his future and whether a return to Liverpool might be on the cards.
Gerrard under pressure
The Saudi Pro League has undoubtedly attracted significant football talent in recent years, but it has its own set of difficulties, especially for a manager like Gerrard, whose coaching philosophy is still developing.
From language barriers to limited control over transfers, he faces challenges that are out of sync with the coaching experience he gained at Rangers, Aston Villa and Liverpool.
Al Ettifaq fans are seemingly getting fed up with Gerrard’s coaching style. Following his sides 2-0 defeat to Al-Qadsiah, Gerrard was booed by a large number of home fans (per the Daily Mail).
🇸🇦😬 Steven Gerrard was booed by Al-Ettifaq fans as his side suffered their 4th loss in 6 games…
They currently sit 11th in the Saudi Pro League.
— CentreGoals. (@centregoals) November 3, 2024
Gerrard faces calls to resign
Before the game, Gerrard already faced significant calls to resign.
The Liverpool legend has been in charge of Al-Ettifaq for 16 months and is said to be earning £15.2m per year in Dammam. Al-Ettifaq finished sixth last season but are currently 11th in the table after nine games, for which Gerrard takes full blame.
Speaking after the defeat, Gerrard said: “I spoke to the players. If we had performed like this before, we would not have put ourselves in this embarrassing situation, but I bear the responsibility. We conceded the first goal from a set piece. Previously, we used to defend better from set pieces.
“The second goal was scored by a young player, and he made the same mistake he made against Al-Fayha. The player is young, and I bear responsibility for the second goal.
‘I bear full responsibility for using a young player in defence, as he has little experience. His recruitment was to prepare him for development and the future, and using him was not appropriate, but due to injuries, we were put in this position.”
How Gerrard could make an emotional Liverpool return
The allure of a Liverpool return for Gerrard is undeniable. He embodies Liverpool’s ethos: passion, determination, and a will to win.
The question isn’t just if Gerrard will return, but how. His connection with Liverpool runs deep, he even schedules Ettifaq training sessions to make sure he can still watch Liverpool games – clearly his heart is pulling him a certain way.
Gerrard’s leadership and knowledge of Liverpool’s culture would be a natural fit within the club’s youth academy. He could once again have the opportunity to shape the next generation of players, passing on his knowledge.
As someone who came up through the ranks himself, Gerrard knows firsthand the dedication it takes to make it at Liverpool, and he could inspire young talent while refining his own approach to player development.
There is also the option of him returning in an ambassador/advisory role.
Either way, Gerrard belongs at Anfield and his reunion with the club could be a hugely emotional one for everyone involved.
What could Gerrard bring to Liverpool?
Fans love Gerrard because they know he’s one of them, and players respect him because of his achievements and commitment to the game.
His leadership style would resonate well with Liverpool’s culture.
His understanding of the club’s history, values, and supporters’ expectations would help maintain Liverpool’s identity, especially as the game evolves.
Ultimately, a return to Liverpool would provide Gerrard with a unique opportunity to give back to the club that shaped him. If he did decide to return to Merseyside, he would almost certainly be welcomed back with open arms.
He was once tipped to be Jurgen Klopp’s successor but it never came to fruition. However his return would surely open the door for him to become manager in the future.
For now though on the training ground at the academy or behind the scenes in the boardroom is where he would best serve Liverpool.
