Fresh from signing a new contract as manager of Al-Ettifaq, Steven Gerrard has picked another Liverpool legend in Gini Wijnaldum to succeed Jordan Henderson as captain as he attempts to spark new life into his struggling side.
Despite not winning a league game since October, and losing fellow former Liverpool skipper Henderson to Ajax after a request to leave, Gerrard has been backed by the Saudi Pro League club with a new deal, keeping him there until 2027. And one of his first big decisions since penning those fresh terms was to make Wijnaldum his new leader on the pitch.
Al-Ettifaq return to competitive football on February 15 when they line up against Al-Khaleej and the former Rangers and Aston Villa boss is delving into the transfer market. Everton midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure is among a number of players who have been linked with a move.
Gerrard isn’t only making changes on the pitch, either, as former Charlton manager Dean Holden is in talks to become his assistant after Ian Foster left for Plymouth Argyle earlier this month.
In July 2023, the the 2005 Champions League winner made the move to Al Ettifaq FC, almost instantly signing Henderson from Liverpool in what turned out to be a hugely controversial move. Henderson left the club for Ajax after less than six months when he asked for his contract to be terminated.
After months without a league win for the team, Gerrard was forced to take responsibility for the situation. He said: “I am the first to hold responsibility and I will not blame anyone.
“I know our financial capacity well and we have the opportunity to make signings that will improve the team. You can find players in other teams who scored 13 goals. We have Moussa (Dembele) who scored eight, Gini scored six and the rest either scored one or two goals.”
The 43-year old – who has his contract extended to June 2027 – is aiming to silence his doubters who have aired reservations over the results under earned during his stewardship.
