Steven Gerrard Surprises Fans by Turning Down Saudi Arabia Managerial Role
Former Liverpool midfielder, Danny Murphy, has expressed his surprise at Steven Gerrard’s decision to turn down the opportunity to become a new manager in the Saudi Pro League. Gerrard was spotted in Saudi Arabia recently amid speculation that he could be taking up a new role with Al Ettifaq. However, the former England international revealed that he was not keen on the role when speaking as a pundit on Channel 4’s England coverage this week.
Gerrard said on Monday: “A lot has been said in the media, a lot of it is not true. I was invited over there to look at a potential offer, which I did. I have been analysing that for the last few days but where we stand right now, I won’t be taking that offer.”
Murphy, who played alongside Gerrard at Liverpool, admitted that he was surprised by the decision to stay away from the Middle East. The ex-Liverpool midfielder remarked: “I was a tad surprised, if I am honest. I thought while he was over there, the lucrative aspect of it and the way they would have made him feel welcome, I thought he might be reeled in. But he has shown some courage and substance there.”
Gerrard’s decision to turn down the role has left many fans wondering what his next move will be. Bookies currently hold Gerrard as the shock favourite to take over at Sheffield Wednesday following the abrupt dismissal of Darren Moore. Despite leading the Owls back to the Championship, Moore was allowed to leave this week. However, Gerrard would face stiff competition with Carlos Carvahal, Nathan Jones and Bruno Lage all linked as well.
The 43-year-old last managed at Aston Villa, where he was sacked in October after 11 months in the job following a run of two wins in 12. Despite this setback, Gerrard has proven himself to be a talented manager, having led Rangers to their first Scottish Premiership title in 10 years last season.
Gerrard’s decision to turn down the Saudi Arabian role has been praised by many fans, who believe that he is making the right decision by waiting for the right opportunity to come along. Speaking on the White and Jordan show, talkSPORT pundit Murphy said: “The one thing I know about Stevie is, he loves football. He loves a challenge and he loves trying to prove people wrong. That journey he did amazingly well as a footballer and as a manager now, he has taken some steps forward and gone backwards. He is going to have to take a challenge that maybe he did not anticipate he was going to have to, when he started flying at Rangers.”
Gerrard’s decision to turn down the Saudi Arabian role has also sparked speculation about his future plans. Some fans believe that he could be eyeing up a return to Liverpool, while others think that he could be looking for a new challenge elsewhere.
In conclusion, Steven Gerrard’s decision to turn down the Saudi Arabian managerial role has surprised many fans, but it has also shown that he is willing to wait for the right opportunity to come along. With bookies currently holding him as the shock favourite to take over at Sheffield Wednesday, it remains to be seen where Gerrard will end up next. However, one thing is for sure – wherever he goes, he will bring his passion for football and his determination to succeed with him.