Press Release

Extension focuses on long-term success and sustainable development

18th January, 2024 – Al-Ettifaq FC of the Roshn Saudi League(SPL) are pleased to confirm the extension of Steven Gerrard’s contract with the club as first team coach through to 2027.

Gerrard was initially appointed for a two-year period in July 2023, but has been rewarded with a further two-year extension, with an option to renew in 2027. This follows significant progress in terms of the club’s overall foundations and technical capabilities with major steps taken towards long-term and sustainable success.

Gerrard’s summer arrival coincided with the appointment of new Club President, Samer Al Misehal, and since then both have shared the same vision for the club, working hand in hand to make a number of fundamental improvements at the club,including the overseeing of a move to a new stadium, securingnew training facilities and opening a physical conditioning centre.

Speaking on the extension, Club President Samer Al Misehalsaid; “As a club we know where we want to go and we know we want Steven to lead us on the journey ahead. There are no shortcuts to success and Steven’s personal work ethic, his leadership qualities and his commitment to the project has shown everyone at the club just what it will take to compete at the highest level. We have a proud history and I believe we are now on the right path to return to former glories. We just have to keep going step by step. Steven will be given time and resources to continue on this journey and build something special.”

Having signed a new extension to his contract, an upbeat and optimistic Gerrard added: “This is very pleasing for myself and my family and feels like recognition for a lot of hard work and commitment. We knew at the beginning this was a big job and a challenging job. 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. It’s a relationship with me and the management team above me, that’s growing, that’s building, it’s getting stronger, and I’m really looking forward to the future.

“In football the priority is always the short term. But importantly, Samer, the new President, came in at the same time as me, and we share a vision. We all know it’s not going to be an overnight fix. But it’s really exciting in terms of where we believe we can get the club to. We want to build a special club and build an elite culture around the team and squad.

“I also understand my position, it’s a results business. I never take that for granted. I understand where we are in the league,but I am very confident we will improve.  The window is open at the moment, and we’re working to try and identify players who could come and support the current group of players to make us more competitive at the top end of the table. There will need to be an element of patience as there is still a lot to do on and off the pitch.”

As a further sign of progress under Gerrard, the club has alsosecured the services of a number of recognised experts, building a formidable coaching team that includes senior figures such asSporting Director, Mark Allen, formerly of Glasgow Rangers,and Chief Scout Thomas Spring, previously at Bournemouth FC. The medical and conditioning team consists of Richard Higgins, Club Doctor, formerly of Sheffield Wednesday, John Hill, Head of Sports Science and Carl Todd, consultant physiotherapist, demonstrating the new strength and depth at the club. The club is also actively looking to replace the recently departed Ian Foster.

Speaking about his time working in Saudi Arabia so far, Gerrard added: “Before taking the job I’d never been to Saudi Arabia before, and it’s been the complete opposite of the perception that I had before. Since I’ve arrived, I’ve had an incredible welcome. The people have been outstanding. They’ve gone above and beyond to help us settle. My family has been all in, in terms ofembracing the new adventure, a new challenge. We wanted to make the most of this and the family have settled extremely well. I’m happy. I’m excited. And that’s why I’m pleased to extend because we’re all enjoying the journey so far.

“The easy decision would be to stay in Liverpool, to wait for jobs. But as a family we decided we wanted something a little bit outside the box. I’ve learnt about adapting to a new culture, a new league, making new friends, facing new challenges. I think that has made a better person and a better coach and also made me mature a bit more as well.

“Of course, I am going to have challenges in front of me. But I am willing to take them on, embrace it and do the best job I can do for this club. And try payback this recognition for the extension to the contract as they didn’t have to do that. But there is recognition of the work that’s gone in to improve the whole club.”

Gerrard was also quick to highlight how the Saudi Pro League is unique in terms of player acquisitions and central support the league has provided. He added: “The Saudi league is very competitive. It’s got some outstanding players. Some outstanding coaches. They know they’re not in the top five leagues in the world, but they’re determined to get as close as they can be.

“These guys (SPL) are there around the clock, you can phone them over anything, something that might have happened in the game, you might be talking about a potential player, it might be about a phase that you’re trying to improve, a training area, they come and visit you regularly. They’re there around the clock to give you that support. So, it’s unique, but I’m really happy with the support and having those pillars to go to because there is a realisation that at a lot of clubs, the infrastructure, they are work, we’re work in progress, but we’re all determined to try and make every club, the league and the whole bigger picture as good as we can.”

During the winter break Al-Ettifaq FC will play three friendly fixtures while in camp in the UAE before returning to competitive action in the Roshn Saudi League (SPL) against Al Khaleej on the 15th February 2024.

–Ends–