Gerrard appoints ex-assistant to turn things around after their poor run of form

Former Sunderland, QPR and Rangers manager Michael Beale has been reunited with Steven Gerrard at Al-Ettifaq.

Beale, 44, has enjoyed a fascinating coaching career, working for the likes of Chelsea, Liverpool and Brazilian side Sao Paulo.

He joined Gerrard as his assistant at Rangers in 2018 and was widely hailed for his role in helping the Scottish giants to win their first league title in 10 years.

The 44-year-old followed the Liverpool icon to Aston Villa in November 2021, before he went out on his own to take over QPR as manager in June 2022 in a move that was seen as a blow to Gerrard, who was sacked by the Villans four months later.

And now, Beale and Gerrard will link up again in the Middle East as the under-fire former England midfielder looks to turn things around, with Al-Ettifaq currently 12th in the 18-team Saudi Pro League (SPL).

The Englishman - who has been out of work since February when he was sacked by Sunderland after just 12 games - saw his move to the club confirmed on Wednesday evening, with Al-Ettifaq posting on X: 'Michael Beale joining #Ettifaq family as assistant coach'.

Beale's appointment comes after Gerrard avoided being sacked just before the international break despite a torrid run of form, although two key staff members in assistant Dean Holden and sporting director Mark Allen were dismissed in a bid to try to improve results.

Meanwhile, Gerrard was booed by a significant section of the home fanbase earlier this month after Al-Ettifaq were beaten by Al-Qadsiah.

Supporters had urged the Liverpool legend to 'get out' following the result, which came after a 3-1 loss to lower league outfit Al-Jabalain in the King's Cup last-16.

Gerrard, who is under contract until 2027, is 16 months into his £15.2m-a-year contract at Al-Ettifaq and led the club to sixth place in the Saudi Pro League last season.

But, Al-Ettifaq have won only three of their 10 league matches this time around, drawing two and losing five, while they haven't picked up a victory since September.

Pundits in Saudi Arabia have also called for Gerrard to step down amid the poor run of results this season.

Beale had originally started his managerial career successfully, with the Englishman taking QPR to the top of the Championship before he moved to Rangers after just five months.

However, he only lasted 43 matches at Ibrox and was sacked last October, with the 44-year-old then enduring a disastrous 12-game stint at Sunderland where he proved to be extremely unpopular among fans.

The appointment of Beale demonstrates that Al-Ettifaq are keeping faith in Gerrard, with the club explaining as such when announcing the departures of Holden and Allen earlier this month.

A statement had read: 'The board of Ettifaq, led by Mr. Samer Almisehal, has approved the recommendations of the football committee, which are as follows: Mark Allen to leave his position as executive sporting director by mutual agreement.

'Dean Holden to leave his position as assistant manager by mutual agreement.

'The chairman, Mr Sameer Almisehal, reaffirmed that the board is fully committed to supporting the technical staff and players in their efforts to improve the club's position in the league and to secure a top spot in the Gulf Champions League.

'He also expressed his apologies to Ettifaq fans for the disappointing exit from the King Cup.

'The board and everyone at the club deeply appreciate the unwavering support of Ettifaq fans despite recent unsatisfactory results. We remain optimistic that better results are on the horizon.'

Al-Ettifaq, who are just four points above the relegation zone, return to action on Sunday when they take on Al-Riyadh.