This Thursday (18), Steven Gerrard announced his two-year contract extension to stay as head coach of Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq until 2027.
Gerrard joined the club on a two-year deal last summer. Al-Ettifaq finished seventh last term, and currently sit eighth in the table, 28 points behind leaders Al-Hilal. The former Aston Villa boss is reported to be one of the best-paid managers in the world on a salary of about £15m.
++Barcelona and Atletico Madrid interested in Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips
“This is very pleasing for myself and my family and feels like recognition for a lot of hard work and commitment. We had to put in place new infrastructure, like building a new training ground in phases and building a new stadium. But a lot has been achieved”, said Gearrad in a statement.
Gerrard had an impressive start with five wins in the first seven games of the season, but Al-Ettifaq fell off the pace and didn’t win in their last eight games before a six-week mid-season break. “I understand where we are in the league, but I am very confident we will improve”, said the manager.
“The [transfer] window is open at the moment and we’re working to try to identify players who could come and support the current group of players, to make us more competitive at the top end of the table”, added Gerrard.
