Al-Ettifaq’s journey through the Saudi Pro League standings tells a remarkable tale of transformation, struggle, and redemption that has captivated football fans across the globe. The Dammam-based club currently occupies a respectable mid-table position, but their recent trajectory reveals a story far more compelling than their current 7th-place finish might suggest.
The Saudi outfit’s standing today represents a dramatic turnaround from the perilous position they found themselves in during the early months of 2025, when relegation loomed large and their high-profile English manager faced mounting pressure.
Gerrard’s Tumultuous Tenure
Steven Gerrard’s appointment at Al-Ettifaq in July 2023 generated significant excitement amongst football enthusiasts, particularly those following the Saudi Pro League’s ambitious expansion. The Liverpool legend’s arrival represented the club’s intent to compete at the highest level, backed by substantial investment in player recruitment.
However, Gerrard’s 18-month tenure proved far more challenging than anticipated. When the former England captain departed by mutual consent in January 2025, Al-Ettifaq languished in 12th position, precariously perched just five points above the relegation zone. The statistics paint a sobering picture of his final months in charge, with the team managing only five victories from 17 league fixtures during the 2024-25 campaign.
The pressure had been building throughout the season, with Al-Ettifaq’s inconsistent performances raising serious questions about their Saudi Pro League survival. Under Gerrard’s stewardship, the team struggled for identity and cohesion, despite attracting several high-profile signings designed to elevate their status.
Henderson’s Brief Saudi Sojourn
Perhaps the most symbolic departure during Gerrard’s reign was that of Jordan Henderson, whose own Saudi adventure lasted merely six months. The former Liverpool captain’s decision to terminate his contract with Al-Ettifaq and join Ajax sent shockwaves through the football world.
Henderson’s exit highlighted the challenges facing English players adapting to Saudi football. Despite the substantial financial incentives, the midfielder struggled to settle in the Middle East, ultimately describing his departure as a “football decision” rather than pursuing the lucrative contract to its conclusion.
The England international’s brief stint at Al-Ettifaq coincided with some of the club’s most challenging periods under Gerrard. His departure in January 2024 signalled the beginning of the end for several high-profile recruitment drives that had failed to translate into on-pitch success.
The Al-Shehri Revolution
Following Gerrard’s departure, Al-Ettifaq appointed Saad Al-Shehri as their new manager, a decision that would prove transformational for the club’s fortunes. The Saudi coach’s impact was immediate and profound, engineering one of the most remarkable mid-season turnarounds in recent Saudi Pro League history.
Under Al-Shehri’s guidance, Al-Ettifaq’s statistical improvement across all metrics proved remarkable. The team’s win percentage increased from 31.57% under Gerrard to 41.18% under their new manager, whilst simultaneously tightening their defensive structure significantly.
The most impressive aspect of Al-Shehri’s tenure was his ability to transform a team staring at relegation into comfortable mid-table finishers. In the final 17 games of the 2024-25 campaign, he guided Al-Ettifaq from the threat of relegation to a top-seven finish, recording nine wins and four draws.
Current League Position Analysis
Al-Ettifaq’s current standing in the Saudi Pro League reflects their remarkable recovery under new management. The club finished the 2024-25 season in 7th position with 50 points from 34 matches, having won 14 games, drawn 8, and lost 12.
Their final league position represented a significant achievement given the precarious situation inherited by Al-Shehri. The 14-point gap between their final position and the relegation zone demonstrated the effectiveness of the managerial change.
The team’s attacking statistics reveal room for improvement, with 44 goals scored throughout the campaign placing them among the lower-scoring sides in the upper half of the table. However, their defensive solidarity under Al-Shehri proved crucial, conceding just 45 goals across the season.
Current Squad Dynamics
The 2025-26 season has seen Al-Ettifaq maintain their improved trajectory, currently occupying 8th position in the early league standings. Key players have emerged as vital contributors to the team’s stability, with Khalid Al-Ghannam leading the scoring charts with 3 goals from 4 matches.
Georginio Wijnaldum, the Dutch midfielder who remained committed to the project despite the managerial upheaval, has provided crucial experience and quality in midfield. His 2 goals and 2 assists in the opening fixtures of the new campaign demonstrate his continued importance to the team’s tactical approach.
The presence of South African talent Mohau Nkota has added pace and directness to Al-Ettifaq’s attacking options. The young forward’s contributions have been particularly noteworthy, providing both goals and assists in the early stages of the current campaign.
Tactical Evolution Under New Management
Al-Shehri’s tactical approach has fundamentally transformed Al-Ettifaq’s playing style. The team’s defensive improvement stands as the most significant change, with goals conceded dropping dramatically compared to their struggles under Gerrard.
The Saudi manager has implemented a more pragmatic approach, prioritising defensive stability whilst maintaining attacking threat through quick transitions and set-piece situations. This philosophy proved particularly effective during their remarkable escape from relegation danger.
Notable victories under the new regime include a memorable 3-2 triumph over Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr, where Wijnaldum’s brace helped secure a famous victory against one of the league’s title contenders. Such results demonstrated the team’s growing confidence and tactical discipline.
###ancial Implications and Future Prospects
Al-Ettifaq’s improved league standing has significant financial implications for the club’s future planning. Avoiding relegation and securing mid-table respectability ensures continued access to the Saudi Pro League’s substantial revenue streams and international exposure.
Reports suggest that Steven Gerrard waived £10 million in compensation to facilitate his departure, recognising that relegation would have caused greater long-term damage to both his reputation and the club’s prospects.
The club’s ability to attract and retain talent will largely depend on maintaining their current league position. Their experience with high-profile departures during difficult periods serves as a reminder of how quickly circumstances can change in modern football.
Comparative Analysis with League Rivals
Al-Ettifaq’s current standing places them firmly in the middle tier of Saudi Pro League clubs, behind the established powerhouses but ahead of teams struggling for survival. Their 7th-place finish represents a significant improvement from their previous campaigns.
Comparing their points tally to previous seasons reveals the impact of managerial change on performance levels. The 50 points accumulated during the 2024-25 campaign represented one of their better seasonal totals in recent years.
The club’s goal difference of -1 from the concluded season highlights the narrow margins that separated them from both higher finishes and potential relegation danger. Such statistics emphasise the importance of consistent performance across a full campaign.
International Recognition and Media Coverage
Al-Ettifaq’s story has attracted significant international attention, particularly given the involvement of high-profile English personalities. The club’s transformation from relegation candidates to stable mid-table performers has been widely documented across global football media.
The departure of Steven Gerrard and the subsequent improvement in results has sparked debate about the challenges facing European managers adapting to Saudi football culture and expectations. This narrative continues to generate discussion amongst football analysts and supporters.
The club’s ability to navigate crisis and emerge stronger has enhanced their reputation within Saudi football circles. Their recovery demonstrates the importance of making decisive changes when circumstances demand immediate action.
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Looking Ahead: Season 2025-26 Prospects
The current season presents fresh opportunities for Al-Ettifaq to build upon their remarkable recovery. Early indicators suggest continued stability under Al-Shehri’s management, with the team showing improved organisation and tactical awareness.
Player development remains a key focus, with several young Saudi talents emerging as regular contributors to the first-team setup. The integration of local players with experienced international stars creates an interesting dynamic that could benefit long-term planning.
The club’s transfer strategy appears more measured and strategic compared to previous windows. Rather than pursuing marquee signings for publicity value, the focus has shifted towards players who fit the tactical system and club culture.
Lessons Learned and Future Strategy
Al-Ettifaq’s journey through recent seasons offers valuable insights into modern football management and the challenges of international expansion. The contrast between Gerrard’s tenure and Al-Shehri’s success highlights the importance of cultural understanding and tactical adaptation.
The club’s experience demonstrates that high-profile appointments don’t guarantee success without proper planning and realistic expectations. The Saudi Pro League’s unique characteristics require specific approaches that may differ from European football conventions.
Moving forward, Al-Ettifaq appears committed to sustainable growth rather than dramatic upheaval. Their current league position provides a solid foundation for continued development and improvement.
The transformation from relegation battlers to mid-table stability represents one of the Saudi Pro League’s most remarkable turnaround stories. Al-Ettifaq’s standing today reflects their resilience and adaptability in the face of significant challenges.
Their journey continues to evolve, with each matchweek offering opportunities to further consolidate their position in Saudi football’s elite division. The lessons learned from their recent experiences will undoubtedly influence their approach to future campaigns.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Al-Ettifaq’s current position in the Saudi Pro League standings?
Al-Ettifaq currently sits in 7th position in the Saudi Pro League following their remarkable recovery under manager Saad Al-Shehri. They finished the 2024-25 season with 50 points from 34 matches, securing comfortable mid-table status after escaping relegation danger.
Why did Steven Gerrard leave Al-Ettifaq?
Steven Gerrard departed Al-Ettifaq by mutual consent in January 2025 after 18 months in charge. The Liverpool legend left with the club in 12th position, just five points above relegation, having won only five matches from 17 league games that season.
How did Al-Ettifaq improve after Gerrard’s departure?
Under new manager Saad Al-Shehri, Al-Ettifaq’s performance improved dramatically. Their win percentage increased from 31.57% under Gerrard to 41.18% under Al-Shehri, whilst defensive statistics also showed significant improvement, helping them climb from potential relegation to 7th place.
What happened to Jordan Henderson at Al-Ettifaq?
Jordan Henderson terminated his contract with Al-Ettifaq in January 2024 after just six months at the club. The former Liverpool and England captain struggled to settle in Saudi Arabia and described his departure as a “football decision” before joining Ajax.
Who are Al-Ettifaq’s key players in the current season?
Key players for Al-Ettifaq include Khalid Al-Ghannam (3 goals in 4 matches), Georginio Wijnaldum (2 goals, 2 assists), and emerging talent Mohau Nkota. These players have been instrumental in the team’s continued stability under their current management.
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