8 months ago
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Steven Gerrard has agreed a two-year contract extension as head coach of Al Ettifaq, talkSPORT understands.
The deal will see the former Liverpool captain continue at the Saudi Pro League club until 2027 after taking over in July.
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After a promising start, Gerrard has seen his side hit a patch of poor form and are without a win since October.
He recently lost his best player as Jordan Henderson's contract was terminated to allow a permanent transfer to Ajax.
But club chiefs are determined to see Gerrard succeed and will provide the 43-year-old with funds to improve his squad.
Gerrard made the switch to the Middle East after being sacked by Aston Villa in October 2022 after leading the club to just 13 wins from 40 games during his 11 months in charge.
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The former England midfielder achieved success prior to his time at Villa Park , leading Rangers to the Scottish Premiership title in the 2020/21 season.
After almost a year away from football Gerrard accepted an approach from Al Ettifaq as the Saudi Pro League quickly opened its doors to an array of stars.
Al Ettifaq, who currently sit in eighth position, is not one of the four teams controlled by the country’s Public Investment Fund (PIF).
PIF control 75 percent of League leaders Al Hilal, Al Ahli, Al Ittihad and Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr.
Gerrard’s immediate future at the club will be without summer signing and former Liverpool teammate Jordan Henderson who is on the verge of signing for Ajax.
Henderson left AL Ettifaq’s training camp to finalise a transfer to the Eredivisie club after becoming unsettled in the Middle East
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The 33-year-old is hopeful of targeting a place in Gareth Southgate’s England squad for this summer’s Euros and feels he has a better chance of doing so while playing in Europe.
