Gerrard suffers new blow as history repeats itself during Saudi Arabia struggles

05 January 2024 , 22:56

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Al-Ettifaq boss Steven Gerrard has lost assistant Ian Foster to Plymouth Argyle (Image: Getty Images)

Steven Gerrard has suffered a massive blow to his Al-Ettifaq coaching team after assistant Ian Foster was named as the new Head Coach of Plymouth Argyle on Friday.

Argyle have been on the lookout for a new first-team boss since the departure of Steven Schumacher to Stoke last month and have decided now that Foster, 47, is their man. Plymouth currently sit 18th in the Championship table and are seven points above the relegation zone.

Foster's appointment brings to an end a short six-month stint out in Saudi Arabia as Gerrard's assistant at Al-Ettifaq. Foster spent last season as manager of the England Under 20s ahead of the World Cup, but he could only guide his side to the last 16, where they lost out to eventual winners Italy.

Foster left The FA after four years to team up with Gerrard in the Saudi Pro League, and it's safe to say Al-Ettifaq are not firing on all cylinders at the moment. In fact, they are winless in nine matches dating back to October and sit eighth in the table, a mammoth 28 points behind top spot.

Regarded as one of the brightest coaches in the English game, Foster's departure from Al-Ettifaq is a huge blow for Gerrard, who is coming under scrutiny in Saudi Arabia. Reports have circulated that Gerrard is in danger of losing his job, though Al-Ettifaq are not back in action until February 15 due to the winter break. Jordan Henderson, Demarai Gray and Georginio Wijnaldum are among those who joined Al-Ettifaq in the summer.

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This isn't the first time Gerrard has lost his assistant to another club, however. During his time at Aston Villa, Michael Beale left to join Queens Park Rangers and things started to unravel from that point. Gerrard ended up losing his job at Villa Park less than six months later following a 3-0 drubbing at Fulham.

Steven Gerrard is under pressure at Al-Ettifaq (Getty Images)

It's not going to plan for Gerrard at Al-Ettifaq at the moment and the Liverpool legend will be hoping to turn their fortunes around in the coming months. "We need to be aggressive, we need to be ruthless, and we need to make a lot of changes to make this team more competitive," Gerrard said last month. Al-Etiifaq are expected to dip into the January transfer market as they look to bolster their squad.

As for Foster, he will be hoping to guide Plymouth to survival in the Championship after a mixed start. Argyle face Sutton United in the FA Cup on Saturday, before crucial league matches against Huddersfield and Cardiff.

Ian Foster is Plymouth Argyle's new Head Coach (Getty Images)

Argyle chairman Simon Hallett said of Foster's appointment: "I am thrilled to welcome a coach of Ian’s calibre to Plymouth Argyle as our new Head Coach. He was the perfect candidate to lead our great football club forward as we embark on our next five-year mission.

"Ian showed a passion and knowledge for the club throughout the interview process, and showcased in some detail how he sees the best way to take forward our exciting and dynamic young squad. Having worked with some of the best players this country has produced, he has a passion for developing young footballers, as well as playing expansive, attacking football which fits perfectly with how we want the club to progress. I am excited to see how he takes the team forward and very much welcome him to Plymouth Argyle."

Kieran King