Football legend Steven Gerrard is the new head coach of Saudi's Al-Ettifaq team
The former England player is the latest football star to head to the Kingdom…
Former England and Liverpool football star Steven Gerrard has been appointed as the head coach of Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ettifaq football team. Confirmed on Monday July 3 via a series of social media posts, Al Ettifaq posted that they were “thrilled” to announce Steven Gerrard, who most recently served as the manager of premier league team Aston Villa, as the team’s new head coach.
Steven Gerrard joins the team, who are based in Dammam in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province, ahead of the return of the Saudi Pro League. The 2023/2024 season of the Saudi Pro League kicks off on August 11. The hotly anticipated fixtures are yet to be released.
Last year, Al Ettifaq finished seventh in the Saudi Pro League out of 16 teams, with Al Ittihad FC winning the league. This season, 18 teams will compete for the coveted Saudi Pro League championship title.
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In sharing the announcement, Al Ettifaq posted a video of their new head coach warmly greeting fans in Arabic. “Marhaba,” he begins in the short Instagram clip before introducing himself. “See you soon,” he says at the end of the special message.
Big stars heading to the Saudi Pro League
Steven Gerrard is the latest in a string of huge football legends to make their way to the Kingdom as Saudi Arabia’s Saudi Pro League continues to attract world-class global talent. As the league continues to build momentum, more football stars are likely to make their mark on Saudi Arabia’s football scene.
The most notable football player to make a move to Saudi Arabia has been one of football’s biggest names, Cristiano Ronaldo. He made the move to Al Nassr football club in January 2023. The team finished second at the end of the 22/23 Saudi Pro League season. Last month, Real Madrid star Karim Benzema confirmed he would also be moving to Saudi Arabia ahead of the new season to play for current champions, Al Ittihad.
Images: Ettifaq