Al-Ettifaq, a team in the Saudi Pro League, is encountering a tough phase despite welcoming renowned football figures like Steven Gerrard and Jordan Henderson.
The anticipated impact of Gerrard’s move to Al-Ettifaq, following his early-season departure from Aston Villa in the 2022-23 Premier League, hasn’t materialized as expected. Despite high-profile signings like Moussa Dembélé and Gini Wijnaldum, the club is struggling to achieve desired results.
While Jordan Henderson’s addition to Al-Ettifaq brought experience to the Middle East, his time there has been challenging, reflecting the broader struggles faced by Gerrard in his managerial role. Despite these hurdles, Henderson retains his place in Gareth Southgate’s England squad.
Both Gerrard and Henderson face mounting pressure to reverse the team’s fortunes and tackle their individual challenges. Gerrard’s iconic status as a former player may contribute to his retention as manager, but reports from The Guardian indicate that Henderson initially grappled with adapting to conditions at the beginning of the season. This evolving scenario signifies a crucial phase for both figures as they navigate their roles within Al-Ettifaq.
