Steven Gerrard's reign as manager of Saudi Pro League side Al Ettifaq is over after 18 months in charge.
The former Liverpool and England captain has left his role by mutual consent with Ettifaq sitting 12th in the 18-team SPL, five points above the relegation zone.
Gerrard, 44, took charge of 59 matches in all, winning 23, drawing 16 and losing the remaining 20.
Gerrard's final game as manager saw Ettifaq draw 2-2 with second-bottom Al Wehda leaving them on 19 points in a season when they have won five out of their 17 games.
“I want to express my gratitude to the club, the players, the fans, and everyone involved for the opportunity and support during my time here,” Gerrard said in a statement.
“From the first day I was warmly welcomed, and I have enjoyed the chance to work in a new country with a different culture.
“So overall, I have learnt a lot and it's been a positive experience personally and for my family as well. But football is unpredictable, and sometimes things don't go the way we want.
“However, I leave with great respect for the club and the country. I have no doubt that the work being done will bring success in the future, and I wish the team the very best for the rest of the season.”
Club president Samer Al Misehal said: “First and foremost, we extend our sincere gratitude to Steven for his dedication and hard work during his time with the club.
“Sometimes things don’t go as planned, but the firm foundations he helped build will guarantee a bright future in the long term. He changed the club for the better and that will never be forgotten.
“This decision is made with mutual respect and in agreement, is in the best interest of both Steven and the club as we move forward.”
Gerrard moved to the kingdom in July 2023 in what his first job after being sacked by English Premier League side Aston Villa nine months earlier, despite initially turning down Ettifaq's offer.
His summer arrival coincided with a remarkable spending spree in the SPL.
Cristiano Ronaldo had already made the move at the start of 2023 while he would soon be joined in the kingdom by superstar names such as Karim Benzema, Sadio Mane and Neymar.
While in his Ettifaq squad, Gerrard could call on experienced players such as Georginio Wijnaldum, Jordan Henderson and Moussa Dembele.
In his first season, Gerrard guided Ettifaq to a respectable sixth-place finish, behind the 'big four' who are backed by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund – Al Hilal, Al Nassr, Al Ittihad and Al Ahli.
He did suffer the blow of losing fellow former England and Liverpool midfielder Henderson, who left the kingdom for Dutch side Ajax after just six months and 17 SPL games.
That did not stop Gerrard signing a contract extension that should have seen him remain at the club until at least 2027.
“This is very pleasing for myself and my family and feels like recognition for a lot of hard work and commitment,” he said after agreeing the deal. “We knew at the beginning this was a big job and a challenging job.”
But Gerrard's second season has proven a far bigger challenge and he was forced to address rumours that his time at the club was coming to an end earlier in the season.
“On the back of recent results in my position you are always aware of disappointment from fans. I have to take that responsibility on my shoulders,” the former Glasgow Rangers coach said.
“That is what I will do and continue to fight and work to improve the recent results. I don't react, change or get overly concerned about social media or anyone on the outside of Ettifaq's opinion. My priority is this club.”
Gerrard's exit comes days after Al Hilal announced the termination of Brazilian forward Neymar's contract after a disastrous, injury-ravaged 18-month spell in Saudi Arabia.
The 32-year-old made just seven appearances for the club – three in the Saudi Pro League and four in the AFC Champions League – after joining in a $94 million move from Paris Saint-Germain in August 2023.
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Prize money: $50,000 (Dh183,650) for winners and $10,000 for those on the shortlist.
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Shortlisted novels: 66
Longlisted novels: 111
Total number of novels submitted: 1,780
Novels translated internationally: 66
