Steven Gerrard has left next to Saudi Arabia Al-Ettifaq after 18 months in charge, the club announced.
On Wednesday, reports arose that Gerrard was in conversations to leave his position, with the Club five points above the places of descent.
Al-Ettifaq, who had finished sixth last season, has won only one of his last 14 league games.
The Saudi Pro League team confirmed Gerrard's departure through a mutual agreement, with the former Liverpool star leaving his role of £ 15 million per year.
In a statement, Gerrard said it had been a “positive experience” for him and his family, but recognized the bad results of the club this season.
'I want to express my gratitude to the club, the players, the fans and all those involved for the opportunity and the support during my time here, especially the president, Mr. Samer, the CEO Mr. Hamad and the head of the MR Soccer Committee Mr.
Steven Gerrard has left his role as head of Al-Ettifaq after 18 months in charge of the club
The Saudi League Club confirmed that Gerrard has left his job of £ 15 million a year
'I express my gratitude for Mr. Samer and Mr. Hatim from the first day I was welcome, and I enjoyed the opportunity to work in a new country with a different culture.
'So, in general, I have learned a lot and it has been a positive experience personally and also for my family, but football is unpredictable, sometimes things do not come out in the way we want.
'However, I go with great respect for the club and the country.
“I have no doubt that the work that is done will bring success in the future, and I wish the team the best for the rest of the season.”
The calls for Gerrard to resign has intensified in recent months after a departure from the man's cup, dismisses of public relations personnel and disasters.
A 2-2 draw in Al-Wedha on Saturday marked his final game to the helm, with Al-Ettifaq falling to 12th in a league of 18 teams.
Al-Ettifaq had supported Gerrard when he arrived signing Jordan Henderson, Georgininio Wijnaldum, Demarai Gray and Jack Hendry during the summer of 2023 and led them to an improvement of a place. Armed with an agreement until 2027, this was a project with space for growth.
However, the cracks began to appear when Henderson wanted to leave in six months, moving to Ajax, and Gerrard has struggled to hold on to his staff.
Liverpool's legend came to optimism in the summer of 2023, but did not achieve success
Gerrard took Al-Ettifaq to the sixth last season, but the club has a victory in 14 league games
Jordan Henderson's decision to leave after a few months last season marked a crucial moment
Gerrard has also lost key allies such as the Dean Holden assistant, who was fired in November
In November 2024, Al -ettifaq fired his assistant Dean Holden, as well as sports director Mark Allen, but Gerrard clung to his work.
He has faced the growing scrutiny of fans and the media and the tensions that reach the boiling point when the followers shouted that “came out” after a 2-0 defeat against the local rivals Al-Qadsiah.
Gerrard had met with his former Rangers assistant, Michael Beale, in November, but this could not provide an elevation in the results.
Despite the disappointing season, the president of Al-Ettifaq, Samer Al Misehal, said that Gerrard has “changed the club for better”, since he confirmed a “friendly” end of his relationship.
“First, we extend our sincere gratitude to Steven for his dedication and hard work during his time with the club,” he told Misehal.
'Sometimes things do not come out as planned, but the firm foundations that helped build will guarantee a bright long -term future.
'The club changed for better, and that will never be forgotten. This decision, taken with mutual respect and agrees, is the best for Steven and the club as we advance.
Fans have been asking Gerrard for a long time to give up for some time in the middle of a difficult campaign
Gerrard's team is 12 in the Saudi League and only five points above the descent zone
'While this chapter comes to an end, our work continues, football never stops or our ambition, and we continue to focus on the challenges and opportunities that are coming.
'With the rest of the season to play, our commitment to success remains unwavering.
“We trust our players, staff and fans to advance together, and we will continue completely committed to our efforts to achieve our goals.”