Steven Gerrard Breaks Silence Following Al-Ettifaq’s Dismissal of Sporting Director
Steven Gerrard has spoken out after Saudi Pro League club Al-Ettifaq made headlines by dismissing their sporting director, a decision that has stirred speculation about the club’s future under the former Liverpool legend. Gerrard, who joined the Saudi club as head coach earlier this year, is overseeing an ambitious project backed by significant financial investments in player recruitment. The sudden departure of the sporting director, however, has raised questions about Al-Ettifaq’s direction and sparked rumors of internal friction.
Gerrard took the opportunity to clarify his position and commitment to Al-Ettifaq’s ongoing project. In his statement, he acknowledged the sporting director’s role in bringing him to the Saudi club, crediting the former executive for helping launch the club’s new strategy to bring in top-tier international talent. “His work has been pivotal in getting the team we have today,” Gerrard said. “We’ve made great strides in a short period, and I’m grateful for his contributions to this project.”
Despite the organizational shift, Gerrard emphasized that his focus remains firmly on the pitch, aiming to keep Al-Ettifaq competitive in the league and meet the high expectations set by both fans and the club’s leadership. “My commitment to Al-Ettifaq is unwavering,” Gerrard asserted. “We’re here to build something that lasts. I know there’s a lot of noise around, but the players and I are concentrating on the upcoming games. The support from the fans has been incredible, and we’re all working hard to make them proud.”
Gerrard also sought to address rumors suggesting tension behind the scenes, stating that his relationship with the club’s management remains strong. The former Aston Villa manager acknowledged that changes at the executive level could bring challenges, but he was confident that his role and mission at the club were well-defined. “There are bound to be challenges in any project of this scale,” he remarked. “It’s all about aligning our vision and making sure everyone is on the same page moving forward.”
While the loss of a sporting director could signal a period of readjustment for Al-Ettifaq, Gerrard remains optimistic about the club’s potential. Since his arrival, he has managed to bring in several high-profile players, enhancing the squad’s competitiveness. Gerrard’s appeal and experience in European football have not only boosted Al-Ettifaq’s profile but also helped elevate the standards of the Saudi Pro League.
The coming weeks will test Gerrard’s resolve as he navigates the challenges of a high-stakes project in an evolving league. As Al-Ettifaq’s season progresses, Gerrard’s commitment to building a competitive and cohesive squad will likely play a decisive role in determining whether the club can achieve its ambitious goals amid the turbulence.