Former Liverpool captain and teammates Steven Gerrard and Jordan Henderson have lost their jobs after moving to Saudi Arabia.
Steven Gerrard’s move to Al Etti Park has not gone as planned, with high-profile figures such as former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson playing a part in the battle.Reds legend Gerrard, who previously coached Aston Villa, took charge of the Saudi Arabian Professional League this summer.
European players like Moussa Dembele and Gini Wijnaldum were recruited but the results were not so good.Henderson also joined the Dammam club after 12 years at Anfield.
The England international remains part of Gareth Southgate’s plans, but his struggles mirror Gerrard’s plight as the manager piles pressure on him.
So far Gerrard has been protected by his status, but there is still time to turn things around. However, if the fighting continues, the patience of the Etipac administration may run out even further. Steven Gerrard ‘takes responsibility’ as Saudi Arabia’s worst nightmare continues.
According to The Guardian, Gerrard’s playing reputation is the only thing keeping him going. The same publication notes that Henderson was “visibly distraught” by the situation.
Several coaches in Saudi Arabia’s professional league have lost their jobs this season. That number also includes Gerrard’s former Liverpool teammate Igor Viskan, who spent less than three months with Al Shabaab.
Nuno Espirito Santo, who won the league title with Al Ittihad last season, has been given his marching orders. He is now back in the Premier League, managing Nottingham Forest. Ettifaq are currently in the mid-table, but this is due to their fast start.
After winning five of their first seven games, they won just one of their next 12 games.Gerrard’s side have failed to win in eight attempts and have scored just three goals in that time.
They were also knocked out of the Copa del Rey in October, with a goal from former Liverpoolstriker Sadio Mane sealing victory for Al Nasr.
Henderson had great moments with Dembele. Especially when he assisted the former Celtic striker twice in the win against Damac.
However, Henderson’s strikes have dipped since Dembele’s injury last October.”Obviously we need very strong signings for next season,” said Gerrard. “We have to get good players in the building.”
Another former Liverpool star, Roberto Firmino, is rumored to be joining Ettifaq. Despite scoring a hat-trick on his Al Ahli debut, he failed to score after that and lost his starting place.
Asked about Firmino, Gerrard said: “I’m a big fan. I’ve been following him for years. It is very difficult to comment on this situation because he is currently a player at Al-Ahly. But I loved Bobby Firmino from the first day I saw him and I’m a big fan.”
