- Al-Ettifaq confirmed Gerrard has left the club after reaching a mutual agreement
- Gerrard claimed the experience had been ‘positive’ despite a poor run of results LISTEN NOW: It’s All Kicking Off! Ollie Watkins to Arsenal? It’s terrible planning from Arsenal… it’s all a bit late and panicked from the Gunners!
Al-Ettifaq have moved quickly to replace Steven Gerrard after the manager left the club on Thursday.
It emerged on Wednesday that Gerrard, 44, was in talks to leave his position, with the club five points above the relegation places.
And his departure was confirmed 24 hours later with the Saudi Pro League club releasing a statement that he had left his £15million-per-year role via a mutual agreement.
Al-Ettifaq, who had finished sixth last season, have won just one of their last 14 league games.
Ex-Liverpool star Gerrard spent 18 months in charge and said it had been a ‘positive experience’ for him and his family but acknowledged the club’s poor results this season.
And the Saudi club have already welcome their new boss and he is no stranger to them.
Saad Al-Shehri has returned the the helm of the team he both managed and played for previously.
‘Welcome back Saad,’ Al-Eittifaq wrote on their official social media account. ‘Home of commandos is welcoming you.’
Speaking on the news, Gerrard said: ‘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, especially the president, Mr. Samer, CEO Mr Hamad and the head of football committee Mr. Hatim.’
‘I express my gratitude for Mr. Samer and Mr. Hatim from the first day I was warmly welcomed, and I have enjoyed the chance to work in a new country with a different culture.
‘So overall I have learnt a lot and it’s been a positive experience personally and for my family as well but football is unpredictable, and sometimes things don’t go the way we want.
‘However, I leave with great respect for the club and the country. 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.’
