Steven Gerrard staying put? Ex-Rangers & Sunderland boss set to join Al-Ettifaq coaching staff in hint that Liverpool legend is going nowhere amid sack rumours

According to The Athletic, Michael Beale is poised to join Gerrard's coaching staff as an assistant in an attempt to revitalise the Saudi Pro League side. Beale hit free agency in February following his dismissal from Sunderland after a mere 12 games and will rejoin the former midfielder in the Middle East to reignite his coaching career.

Beale, 44, worked alongside Gerrard at Rangers between 2018 and 2021, forming a formidable partnership that led to Rangers clinching the Scottish Premiership in the 2020-21 season. After a successful stint in Scotland, Beale took over as head coach at the Glasgow club in November 2022, succeeding Giovanni van Bronckhorst. However, his tenure lasted just 10 months, as he was relieved of his duties in October 2023 after 43 matches in charge.

Beale replaces Dean Holden and sporting director Mark Allen, who recently left the club as Gerrard revamps his backroom staff in a bid to turn around their fortunes. Al-Ettifaq are struggling in the Saudi Pro League, sitting 12th in the standings with only 11 points from their first 10 games. The team has been winless in the league since September, reflecting the need for urgent improvements.

With a match against ninth-placed Al-Riyadh scheduled for Sunday, Gerrard and Beale have little time to turn things around. They have shown their ability to build winning teams in the past and while the task ahead is daunting, their history of overcoming challenges and achieving success suggests they are well-equipped for the job.