Leeds United-linked manager Steven Gerrard has denied reports he is moving to Saudi Arabia to become Al-Ettifaq’s new boss.
Gerrard was speaking on Channel 4 ahead of England’s 7-0 win over North Macedonia on Monday, where he was on punditry duties alongside Joe Cole and Jill Scott.
The former Liverpool midfielder was spotted over in the Middle East last week amid reports he had agreed to take over at Al-Ettifaq and become the latest to join the Saudi Pro League’s revolution.
That is just one of a number of vacancies Gerrard has been linked with since the end of the domestic season, with Leeds having been one of them, though he was never reportedly among the leading candidates.
Prior to their appointment of Enzo Maresca last Friday, fellow relegated side Leicester City were also said to be keen on hiring the 43-year-old.
Gerrard confirms he won’t be moving to Al-Ettifaq
French journalist Romain Molina yesterday reported that doubts had started to emerge over whether Gerrard would accept the role at Al-Ettifaq.
And those doubts appear to be correct with Gerrard revealing before the England game that at this stage, he will not be accepting the position at the Saudi club.
He said: “A lot has been said in the media, a lot of it is not true.
“I was invited over there to look at a potential offer, which I did, and I have been analysing that over the last couple of days. But, as we stand right now, I won’t be taking that offer up.”
Based on the sheer volume of links to jobs this summer it is clear Gerrard is desperate to make a return to management, having now been out of work for eight months.
That said, it is good to see that Gerrard has not been tempted by the huge pay packet undoubtedly on offer at Al-Ettifaq.
He is clearly willing to bide his time to find the right job that can build his reputation up once again, but with all due respect, hopefully that is not at Leeds.
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