The Saudi Pro League clash between Al-Ettifaq, led by Steven Gerrard and featuring Jordan Henderson, faced a disheartening sight with under 700 spectators witnessing their 1-0 defeat against Al-Riyadh over the weekend.
This dismal turnout, while not surprising for Al-Riyadh, raises eyebrows for a top-tier match.
A Crowd Scarcity Trend
This isn’t the first time Al-Ettifaq has suffered from a lack of support. In September, only 976 fans turned up for their 3-1 victory at Abha.
To put it in perspective, an eighth-tier English football game, Clitheroe vs. Newcastle Town, drew a larger audience, with 702 attendees.
Transition of Henderson under Gerrard
Jordan Henderson, accustomed to Anfield’s 50,000-strong crowd, faces a unique challenge in Al-Ettifaq.
Even the smallest Premier League crowd he encountered during away matches, such as Bournemouth’s 10,536, dwarfs these Saudi Pro League figures.
A Star-Studded Roster
Gerrard’s team is not the only one struggling to adjust. Players like Demarai Gray and Georginio Wijnaldum, both with Premier League experience, are still finding their feet in this unfamiliar setting.
The team also features international players like Robin Quaison and Jack Hendry. Moussa Dembele, another experienced forward, didn’t play over the weekend.
Jesse Lingard’s potential arrival faces hurdles due to foreign player restrictions and financial demands.
Gerrard’s Managerial Journey
Since leaving Rangers for Aston Villa in November 2021, Steven Gerrard’s managerial reputation has seen both highs and lows.
At Rangers, he tasted success, securing the Scottish Premiership title and securing 125 victories in 193 matches.
However, his tenure at Aston Villa was marked by discord with fans, culminating in his dismissal after a 3-0 loss to Fulham.
Liverpool’s Adjustment
Despite Henderson’s absence, Liverpool are adapting well. Jurgen Klopp has restructured the midfield, introducing new faces like Ryan Gravenberch, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Alexis Mac Allister. Curtis Jones sits out matches due to suspension.
Al-Ettifaq’s struggle to fill stands, even with renowned names like Gerrard and Henderson, highlights the challenges of transitioning to a different footballing landscape.
It’s a stark contrast to their previous experiences in the Premier League and a testament to the unique dynamics of global football.