Al-Ettifaq manager Steven Gerrard has revealed that job offers from the Championship were taken away from him.
A Premier League icon, Gerrard’s managerial career has had its up’s and down’s.
Guiding Rangers to their first Scottish Premier League title in ten years, in contrast to dragging Aston Villa into a relegation battle.
Since being sacked by the Villains, the former Liverpool captain has joined Saudi Arabian outfit Al-Ettifaq as their manager.
Gerrard has been linked heavily to Leicester and Leeds United but with Enzo Maresca and Daniel Farke coming in, there was no role for him.
What has Steven Gerrard said?
Speaking after a 2-1 win against Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr, Gerrard explained the situation he faced: “I had a couple of other things on the table at Championship level and I had to make a decision what I believed was right for me.”
It is clear from this that these clubs did hold genuine interest. With the Foxes being one of those it begs the question, why didn’t it happen?
“In time with being patient, this was the best offer on the table because we had two offers that had a chance, they were took away from me rather than me making that decision.”
It appears from the outside looking in that Gerrard took too long with his decision.
Maresca was hired in early June, suggesting City wanted a new manager in as soon as possible to steady the ship.
The former Villa man didn’t appear happy with the situation but did say his current job was, “the best thing on the table”.
In Maresca, Leicester seem to have found a manger with a clear identity and way he wants his team to play. With two wins from two there are no complaints.
With Gerrard coming under heavy scrutiny at Villa Park, he did appear as a risk and that is potentially why the Foxes steered clear.