Video Emerges of Steven Gerrard Struggling With Language Barrier During Al Ettifaq Training

• Steven Gerrard has been seen struggling to communicate with his Al-Ettifaq players in Saudi Arabia
• The Liverpool legend was hired earlier this month and is the latest top European star to offer his services to the Saudi Pro League
• Gerrard last coached Aston Villa in the Premier League

Steven Gerrard has started his new job as manager of Saudi Arabia side Al-Ettifaq. The Liverpool legend was hired earlier this month after initially rejecting an offer to join them in June.

Although the opportunity could be exciting for the 43-year-old, one obstacle to his job is obvious: the language barrier. In a video that went viral on Thursday, Gerrard was captured struggling to pass on his message to players during training.

Top football stars, led by Cristiano Ronaldo, have flocked to the Middle Eastern nation after receiving lucrative offers to play in the Saudi Pro League, and Gerrard is probably the first high-profile English coach or player to offer his services to the Saudi league.

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In the video seen on Twitter, the former Rangers boss places the ball on the ground before asking, “Who wants it? Who wants it? Do you want it? Tell me then!”. After his player failed to respond to his instructions, he can be heard saying, "No communication.”

It is clear the former Aston Villa manager will need time to adjust to the demands of the league. He will need to move fast and pass on his ideas since the league kicks off next month. This is Gerrard's third managerial stint. Al-Ettifaq finished 7th last season with 37 points from 30 games, per Transfermarkt.

Gerrard speaks Arabic in introduction

After the confirmation of his appointment earlier this month, the former England captain attempted to speak Arabic in his introductory video for Al-Ettifaq fans.

In a selfie video, Gerrard sent a message to the club's fans and spoke Arabic, with his message translated to: "I am Steven Gerrard. I am an Ettifaqi. See you soon.”

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The video was met with hilarious reactions from football fans who made fun of his Scouse accent, which was audible in his message.

Gerrard joins Saudi influx list

Sports Brief previously reported that Gerrard was the latest European elite sportsman to join the ongoing Saudi influx.

Loads of stars from Europe’s elite clubs have made what initially was a shocking transfer switch to the Middle East.

The long list of football stars to switch to the Saudi league includes Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, N'Golo Kante, Marcelo Brozovic, and Ruben Neves, to name a few.