Former Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard wants his Ettifaq bosses to bring in top talent in the transfer window with his Saudi Arabia management adventure continuing to be a tough task.
His side have had a torrid time and trail behind Pro League leaders Al-Ahly by a massive 26 points after just 18 games, that’s despite Gerrard enlisting big names like Jordan Henderson and Moussa Dembele
Transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano also played down speculation, stating: “I’m not aware of specific names yet for Steven Gerrard at Al Ettifaq, but for sure it will be a busy January for them. There will be many signings and the number will depend on the opportunities. Gerrard told the board in a very clear way, both in private and public, that he needs new players.
“The situation is very quiet with Mo Salah and a Saudi switch, however. Salah is fully focused on Liverpool as they’re flying in all competitions, but the Saudis still like him obviously and they still dream of Salah for their project. This is not something concrete for the January transfer window.”
Ian Ladyman from the Daily Mail thinks the ex-Aston Villa manager is facing tough times because of his team’s performance in the Middle East. On the It’s All Kicking Off Podcast, he commented: “Steven has spoken over the last couple of days asking for more money to spend on players. That looks as though it’s an experiment that’s starting to go wrong for Steven. And if that does go wrong, if he can’t get what he wants and he can’t turn things around, if he loses that job, I don’t know where he goes in his career.”
Robbie Fowler, a good mate and ex-Liverpool player alongside Gerrard, reckons Gerrard will prove himself. Speaking on Simon Jordan’s podcast, Fowler said: “Will Steven Gerrard be a top manager? Yes, I think he will be. I like Steven, I like him as a person and as a manager. He wasn’t brilliant at Aston Villa but he’ll tell you that himself, and that is why it’s important for him to go to Saudi and do well.”
There may be an argument that he’s looking to reinvent himself and go back to being the manager he was at Rangers. He was an unbelievable player, and he speaks unbelievably well on the game. I can’t speak for Steven, but I think it’s an opportunity. It could be a good thing for him if he goes over there and smashes it. When you talk about the long-term plan, you’ve got to have the attitude first and foremost, that you want to do well. The reality is that money talks, and I don’t think he’s gone there to get back into the Premier League. I think for players and managers who go over there they’re thinking about the now, I don’t think they’re thinking about the future.”
