Steven Gerrard’s Al Ettifaq have announced the arrival of opponent analyst Jonathan Robinson from Liverpool.
Since joining the Saudi Pro League side as manager during the summer, Gerrard has overseen the addition of a number of players and staff with links to his former club.
Obviously, the most high profile of these saw captain Jordan Henderson make the switch in a shock move, but there have been several more under the radar backroom staff additions, too.
And according to Al Ettifaq on X, the latest of these is Robinson. Taking to the social media site on Monday, the Dammam side welcomed the 31-year-old to their club.
Posting on his own X account yesterday, the analyst said an emotional goodbye to Liverpool.
“9 years of special people, memories that will last a lifetime and a club like no other…” Robinson wrote. “Thankyou to all the players, staff and everyone associated with
Gerrard may be doing his best to set up a team around him who are experienced in top-level football but, so far, it isn’t really working.
Al Ettifaq probably weren’t expected to challenge at the top of the Pro League this season, it must be said. Despite the reportedly enormous wages on offer to the likes of Gerrard and Henderson, they aren’t one of the sides with government backing.
As a result, they don’t have the funds to splash on star names like Neymar, Karim Benzema or Riayd Mahrez.
Nevertheless, Al Ettifaq did push the boat out during the summer, and would perhaps expect Stevie to be doing a touch better than their current, seventh place.
Their last two games have yielded two 0-0 draws and with reports of tiny crowds turning up to watch games, things could certainly be going better.
Gerrard will hope that the arrival of Robinson can help to turn things back in his favour.
However, it must be noted that the analyst is not well-versed in first-team affairs, having spent much of his work with Liverpool in the underage sides.
Regardless of that, it is still a shame to see someone give up a position at Liverpool to join Gerrard in the Middle East. Still, we wish Jonathan all the best.
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