Steven Gerrard has found himself under scrutiny at Al-Ettifaq following a lackluster start to his managerial stint in Saudi Arabia’s Pro League. Reflecting on his tenure, Gerrard admitted he would have brought Michael Beale to Al-Ettifaq sooner if not for Beale’s commitments at Rangers.
Beale’s Rocky Road Back to Gerrard
Michael Beale’s career trajectory has been turbulent of late. Following a brief and troubled tenure as Rangers’ manager and a similarly disappointing 12-game stint with Sunderland, Beale has reunited with Gerrard in the Middle East. He now steps into a key role on Gerrard’s staff, replacing assistant Dean Holden, who departed alongside sporting director Mark Allen after a crisis summit at Ettifaq.
A Pressured Partnership
Gerrard’s spell at Al-Ettifaq has been far from smooth. Despite a promising start, back-to-back defeats before the international break intensified scrutiny. The team’s recent goalless draw against Al-Riyadh provided some respite but left questions about whether the return of Beale could mark a turning point for the Liverpool legend.
Beale and Gerrard previously enjoyed success together at Rangers, capturing the Scottish Premiership title in 2021. Their dynamic partnership was widely credited as a driving force behind that achievement. Gerrard’s revelation that he wished to bring Beale to Saudi earlier suggests he sees his trusted lieutenant as a critical figure in reviving Ettifaq’s fortunes.
What Lies Ahead?
The pressure on Gerrard remains high as Al-Ettifaq struggles to find consistency in a highly competitive league. With Beale back by his side, the duo must prove their chemistry can translate to success in Saudi Arabia, where expectations—and stakes—are rapidly growing.
For Gerrard, this reunion could either stabilize his tenure or underscore the challenges of translating past glories into present success. All eyes will be on Ettifaq as they look to climb the league standings and justify the faith placed in Gerrard’s leadership.
