Zamalek manager José Gomes is reportedly on Saudi club Al-Ettifaq’s shortlist as a potential replacement for under-pressure Steven Gerrard.
According to Asharq Al-Awsat, Al-Ettifaq is considering Gerrard’s departure due to disappointing performances and poor results this season, which currently have the team in 11th place in the Saudi Pro League.
Gerrard took over Al-Ettifaq in the summer of 2023, leading the team in 47 games of which he won 17, drawing 14, while losing a further 16.
This season, Al-Ettifaq have to managed to win just four times of their opening 11 games of the season and were knocked out of the Saudi King’s Cup at the hands of second-division side Al-Jabalain.
An official decision is expected to be made during the upcoming international break, which would allow the club’s management sufficient time to consider available options, including Zamalek’s boss José Gomes.
Gomes is no stranger to Saudi football, having previously managed Al-Taawoun on three different occasions and Al Ahli Jeddah, leading the latter to a Saudi Super Cup in 2017.
Challenging Gomes for the Saudi job is his compatriot Pedro Emanuel, who formerly coached Saudi clubs Al-Khaleej and Al-Nassr.
Chilean coach José Luis Sierra, currently managing Unión Española and formerly in charge of Saudi clubs such as Ittihad Jeddah, Al-Wehda, and Al-Tai, is also on the list but ranks lower than the Portuguese duo.
Losing Gomes would be a huge blow to Zamalek after the 54-year-old led them to the CAF Confederations Cup and CAF Super Cup since taking over the team in February 2024.
Overall, Gomes coached Zamalek in 42 games, winning 24, drawing eight, and losing in 10.