Danny Murphy has suggested that Steven Gerrard could be tempted back to Rangers amid growing uncertainty over his position at Al-Ettifaq. The Liverpool legend, 44, is under pressure after a poor start to the Saudi Pro League season, with his side just four points above the relegation zone.
Al-Ettifaq have taken only one point from their last seven games, and fans turned on Gerrard following a derby loss to Al-Qadsiah. The team's last league victory came on September 14. Gerrard moved to Saudi Arabia to rebuild his managerial career after a difficult spell at Aston Villa, having previously enjoyed success at Rangers, where he won the Scottish Premiership.
Speaking to Boylesports, Murphy said: '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.'
Mirror Football understands that Gerrard's situation will be assessed by Al-Ettifaq's powerbrokers in a private meeting. His position is strengthened by a contract extension signed in January that runs until 2027, meaning a significant payout if sacked. Gerrard remains confident he can turn things around, stating recently: 'We must bear responsibility, and continue to correct mistakes. I am aware of the team’s poor past results, and I do not think I have reached the stage of dismissal from team management.'
