Journalist: Can Gerrard’s Saudi Stint Revive His European Coaching Prospects? | OneFootball

Steven Gerrard’s Managerial Journey: A New Chapter in Saudi Arabia

As the Premier League season kicks off with Liverpool ushering in a new era under Arne Slot, Steven Gerrard finds himself on a very different path that he might not have envisioned just a few years ago. Once tipped to be the natural successor to Jurgen Klopp at Anfield, Gerrard is now in his second season with Al-Ettifaq in Saudi Arabia, far from the intense scrutiny of European football but still in a high-stakes environment.

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Gerrard’s Rebuilding Phase in Saudi Arabia

Gerrard’s decision to take on the role at Al-Ettifaq was seen by many as a step away from the European limelight, especially after his challenging spell at Aston Villa. However, Gerrard is using this opportunity to rebuild his confidence and managerial credentials. As discussed by The Athletic, Gerrard admitted that his time at Villa “hurt” and that he needed to “grow and evolve.” This self-reflection seems to be a significant factor in his decision to move to Saudi Arabia, where the expectations and pressures differ from those in the Premier League.

At Al-Ettifaq, Gerrard is not dealing with the same level of star power he had at Villa. Instead, he is working with a squad that includes the likes of Moussa Dembele, Demarai Gray, and Georginio Wijnaldum—players with top-flight experience but not necessarily world-beaters. Yet, there is still a clear expectation for Gerrard to improve on the club’s sixth-place finish last season, especially after a strong end to the campaign where they lost only three of their last 13 games.

Managing Expectations and Future Prospects

The narrative surrounding Gerrard’s tenure at Al-Ettifaq will largely depend on how he manages expectations. The club is not one of Saudi Arabia’s powerhouses, which means a title challenge is likely out of reach. However, Gerrard has shown resilience by guiding his team through a tough season, earning a contract extension in January despite the initial struggles. His focus now is on building a team capable of competing at a higher level, even if that means focusing on domestic talent and incremental improvements rather than marquee signings.

Gerrard’s commitment to improving Al-Ettifaq is evident in his decision to bring in trusted lieutenants like Dean Holden and John Achterberg, who have introduced new ideas and systems to enhance the team’s performance. The presence of Achterberg, a familiar face from Liverpool, also highlights Gerrard’s intent to build a long-term project, potentially setting the stage for a return to European football in the future.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

Steven Gerrard’s journey in Saudi Arabia might feel like a detour rather than a direct route back to Anfield. However, it’s essential to understand the context of his move. Gerrard’s time at Aston Villa exposed him to the harsh realities of Premier League management, and perhaps a period away from that spotlight is exactly what he needs to refine his approach. The managerial landscape is littered with examples of coaches who took the road less travelled, only to return stronger and more prepared for the challenges ahead.

For now, Liverpool supporters will be watching Gerrard’s progress with interest, knowing that his long-term ambitions still likely include a return to Europe. Whether that path leads him back to Anfield or another top European club remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: Gerrard is not done yet. His story is far from over, and the lessons he’s learning at Al-Ettifaq could very well shape the next chapter of his managerial career.