Steven Gerrard reveals why he joined Saudi Pro League side Al Ettifaq

Steven Gerrard has explained his reasons for accepting the Al Ettifaq job at the second opportunity, adding that he did not believe his move to Saudi Arabia would diminish chances of another managerial job in the UK in future.

The former Rangers and Aston Villa manager began life in the Saudi Pro League on Monday night by guiding his new side to a 2-1 win against Sadio Mane’s Al Nassr in Dammam.

Gerrard, 43, was appointed Ettifaq manager at the beginning of last month having told UK broadcaster Channel 4 two weeks previously that “as we stand right now, I won't be taking that offer up”.

However, speaking on Monday following Ettifaq’s come-from-behind victory in their league opener, Gerrard said: “I said I wasn’t going to take the job at that moment.

“The situation and the truth is that Ettifaq, with all due respect, were in a rush. They obviously didn’t have a manager at the time and, for me, with such a big decision and an important decision for me and my family, it was important I analysed every aspect of the job.

“For example, how’s it going to work with my family, for me, what players are available. I needed time to analyse those players; I needed to speak to the board in terms of what was available to make some changes in the squad and the facilities. It wasn’t a decision I could’ve made in three, four days.

“I was pushed for a decision, and I told them I wasn’t ready. I never said I didn’t want to take the job; I didn’t say I didn’t want to come to Saudi. And thankfully they gave me some patience, we continued to talk and what I needed in terms of, I wouldn’t say promises, but I needed the club to show they were going to back me.”