Ex-Rangers manager Steven Gerrard finds himself on the scrap heap after leaving Saudi Pro League club Al-Ettifaq.
The former Ibrox gaffer had only just recruited Michael Beale as his assistant in the summer before a run of five league wins in 17 this season saw the Scouser leave the club by ‘mutual consent’.
With the pressure building on current Rangers manager Philippe Clement, fans have shot down suggestions Steven Gerrard might be primed for an Ibrox return.
Now, the man who was signed to replace Steven Gerrard in Saudi Arabia has already started turning Al-Ettifaq’s drastic form around.
Saudi coach replaces Steven Gerrard at Al-Ettifaq
Saudi manager Saad Al Shehri started his career as a player at Al-Ettifaq and spent his playing days turning out in Saudi Arabia.
As a coach Al Shehri also spent a season in charge of Al-Ettifaq – back when Gerrard had just taken over at Rangers in 2018/19 – and even had an interim stint in charge of the Saudi Arabia national team after taking the country’s U23s.
Taking over with Gerrard’s Al-Ettifaq team in 12th place, the manager has enjoyed a bright start since the ex-Ibrox manager left the club.
Winning back to back Saudi Pro League matches, Al Shehri first guided Al-Ettifaq to a 3-1 win over Al-Shabab before picking up all three points against Al Akhdoud.
It’s the first time the club has recorded back-to-back SPL wins since mid-September.
Al Shehri, 45, is considered a talented young Saudi Arabian coach who is emerging at the same time as the country looks to develop its heavily bankrolled domestic game.
The official SPL website claims Al Shehri is ‘flying the flag for all Saudi coaches looking for an opportunity’.
The former PE teacher will hope to send a reminder to those running the Saudi game that there is talent on the peninsula.
Rangers ship sails on from Steven Gerrard
Rangers meanwhile continue to stay silent on the future of Philippe Clement.
The Belgian is Rangers’ third manager since Steven Gerrard left Ibrox with the ex-Al-Ettifaq manager moving to Aston Villa to be closer to his family.
We wonder how that was working out in Dammam?
For all Steven Gerrard modernised Rangers, breathed fresh life into the club and delivered 55, the Liverpool legend’s exit left us in the lurch.
Rangers’ bumbling leadership have been able to prevent the club careering into the rocks ever since.
But whilst the romance of a return for Gerrard might have attracted some fans, we’d say the good ship Ibrox has well and truly sailed.
