Steven Gerrard ‘set to leave Al Ettifaq’ with Liverpool legend’s exit package on brink of completion
STEVEN GERRARD has asked to leave Al-Ettifaq after a difficult 18 months in charge, according to reports.
The former Liverpool captain is under mounting pressure as his side sit just five points above the relegation zone in the Saudi Pro League.
A compensation package for Gerrard, 44, is yet to be rubber-stamped but is close to completion, according Saudi newspaper Al-Youm.
Gerrard has asked to step down as manager due to "personal reasons" amid a disastrous season, reports Spanish outlet Marca.
Al-Ettifaq have slumped to 12th in the table after winning just five of their 17 league games this term.
Gerrard will be walking away from a mammoth £15.2m a year salary, but his star-studded side are in the midst of a poor run of form.
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Al-Ettifaq have won just one game since the turn of the year and most recently drew 2-2 with second-bottom side Al Wehda FC.
The Liverpool legend's resignation request has been submitted to the Financial Sustainability Committee for the Saudi Arabian top-flight.
Al-Ettifaq are respectful of his decision and finalising an exit package.
Gerrard outlined how unhappy he was at the way things are going after Saturday's draw, which could've been his final press conference as boss.
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He told RecordSport: "I am not satisfied with the players' performance and levels.I see the draw as losing two important points.
"I take responsibility for the result of the match, including missed opportunities and the drop in performance.
"The management of Al-Ettifaq has provided everything the team needs in terms of support and transfers. Injuries and the absence of key players have negatively affected performance."
Club chiefs took action to assist Gerrard in November after he was mercilessly BOOED by fans against local rivals Al Qadsia.
The executives and dismissed former Ibrox sporting director Mark Allen.
Michael Beale was also jetted out to the Middle East to work as Gerrard's number two once again.
Former Ibrox sporting director Mark Allen was shown the door at the time.
Despite these changes, Al-Ettifaq have gone on to win just four of their next 10 games.
Gerrard reportedly wanted to leave last summer but was convinced to stay by club chiefs, but results have still not improved.
Beale is now set follow Gerrard, according to reporter Ben Jacobs.
Gerrard did dig a hole for himself last year when he admitted to gearing training times around Liverpool's fixture list.
Gerrard joined Al-Ettifaq 18 months ago in 2023, after being sacked by Aston Villa in October 2022.
He spent less than 12 months in charge at Villa Park, and now, after a year and a half in the Middle East, looks to be out of work again.
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After retiring from his iconic playing career in 2016, Gerrard worked in the Liverpool academy before managing Rangers.
Having led the Scottish club to the title, he tried his hand at the Premier League with Villa, replacing Dean Smith.
