The Saudi Arabian league continues to attract household names. But instead of landing a world-renowned personality to take the spotlight on the pitch, Al Ettifaq hired a man who will draw attention from the dugout: Steven Gerrard will take the team’s reins. At his new club, the former England international will find two Brazilian footballers.
We are talking about veteran goalkeeper Paulo Victor and left winger Vitinho, who have both joined the club as free agents last year and signed contracts until 2025. Whether Gerrard will count on them or not remains to be seen, because this squad will probably need some changes.
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The outlook for Gerrard in Saudi Arabia
Unlike other clubs that boast world-class names or are reportedly close to doing so, Al Ettifaq don’t have famous nor expensive players on their current squad. Therefore, Gerrard is expected to recruit more talent to take this team further. Will 36-year-old Victor or Vitinho be part of his plans? Only time will tell us.
Last season, Al Ettifaq finished seventh in the Saudi Pro League, seven points clear from relegation spots but 30 points away from Asian Champions League zone. Therefore, the former Liverpool captain will have plenty of work to do at his new club.
هنا منبع الأساطير ❤️💚
يُسعدنا الإعلان عن التعاقد مع جيرارد كمدرب لنادي الاتفاق ✍️#جيرارد_اتفاقي pic.twitter.com/Q5e6HpzXLC
— نادي الاتفاق (@Ettifaq) July 3, 2023
Gerrard arrives in Saudi Arabia with a lot to prove, having been sacked by Aston Villa in October 2022 due to poor results, leaving the club flirting with relegation. Even so, both Victor and Vitinho can definitely learn a lot from a legend who succeeded at the highest level in Europe.
