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Gerrard quits Al-Ettifaq after 18 months

Steven Gerrard has left his role as manager of Al-Ettifaq by mutual consent after 18 months in charge of the club.

The former Aston Villa and Rangers boss joined the Saudi Arabian club in July 2023.

Ex-England and Liverpool midfielder, Gerrard, signed a two-year contract extension in January 2024, which was due to keep him at the club until 2027.

But Al-Ettifaq have won just five of their 17 league matches this season, leaving them five points above the relegation zone.

Ettifaq club president, Same Al Misehal, said Ger­rard transformed the club during his year-and-a-half in charge.

After a stellar playing career with Liverpool and England, 44-year-old Gerrard began his managerial career with Rangers in 2018 and led the club to their first Scottish Premiership title in 10 years in 2020-21.

He succeeded Dean Smith as Villa manager in November 2021, but was sacked after 11 months in charge after only 13 wins in 40 games.

Gerrard guided Al-Ettifaq to a sixth-place finish during his first season in charge.

But he leaves with them 12th in a 16-team league, having won 23 of his 59 matches in charge, with only five wins this campaign.

Gerrard was reportedly one of the best-paid man­agers in world football during his time in Saudi Arabia, on a salary of about £15m-a-year.—BBC

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