Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard linked with return to former club as pressure piles on struggling Al-Ettifaq manager

LIVERPOOL legend Steven Gerrard has been tipped for a stunning return to one of his former clubs amid his struggles in Saudi Arabia.

Al-Ettifaq boss Gerrard, 44, has come under fire amid a disastrous start to the Saudi Pro League campaign that has seen his team tumble to 12th place after three wins and five losses in 10 games.

According to Al-Youm, club chiefs are considering sacking the ex-Rangers and Aston Villa boss amid the team’s poor form, which led to fans booing the England legend after Tuesday’s loss at Al-Qadsiah.

But Gerrard’s former Liverpool team-mate Danny Murphy claims there is still a path for him to return to the Ibrox where he enjoyed the most success as manager after hanging up his boots in 2016.

The former midfielder led Rangers to the Scottish Premiership during the 2020-21 campaign, which saw him finishing undefeated and beating arch-rivals Celtic twice in the league.

The Gers have endured a rough start in the league under manager Philippe Clement this season as they are third in the table after six wins and three losses in 10 matches.

Murphy told Boylesports: “I think it would be hard to replicate what Steven Gerrard did at Rangers before because they’re struggling.

“Their squad is inferior to Celtic and the gap has got much bigger since he left.

“But he’s a determined man who wants to work hard and if he was to go back there and then win the league again and overcome Celtic again then it would be a huge achievement.

“It’s hard to see him being back there but never say never.”

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Gerrard also worked as a coach for the Under-18 and Under-19s of his beloved Liverpool soon after retiring at LA Galaxy.

The Reds are now enjoying immense success under Arne Slot, despite losing legendary manager Jurgen Klopp after a glittering nine-year reign.

Villa, where Gerrard also worked and struggled immensely, are now thriving under Unai Emery.

The Al-Ettifaq boss’ troubles piled up on Friday as his team suffered a 3-1 loss at Al-Hilal, which puts his lucrative £15.2million-a-year contract at risk.

Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk