Steven Gerrard dealt another blow in Saudi Arabia as Al-Ettifaq slip closer to the relegation zone after latest defeat - as Liverpool legend admits: 'It's hard to defend anyone'
Steven Gerrard dealt another blow in Saudi Arabia as Al-Ettifaq slip closer to the relegation zone after latest defeat - as Liverpool legend admits: 'It's hard to defend anyone'
Share:
Steven Gerrard moved closer to the brink in Saudi Arabia after Al-Ettifaq's latest defeat left them teetering above the Pro League relegation zone. A narrow 3-2 loss at home to Al-Kholood leaves Gerrard's struggling side 11th and just three points clear of the drop zone, having won only four of their 14 matches.
![[Gerrard's side are 11th in the Saudi Pro League and just three points above the relegation zone]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/12/08/94004555-14275435-image-a-4_1736668917301.jpg)
Gerrard has endured a difficult time since taking charge of the club in July 2023 and after securing a sixth-placed finish in his first season, Al-Ettifaq look to have taken steps backwards this year, piling the pressure on their head coach. Indeed, Gerrard has faced growing calls for his dismissal after a run of poor form.
![[He is under pressure to salvage their season after facing calls for his dismissal last year]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/12/08/94004529-14275435-image-a-5_1736668922204.jpg)
His assistant coach Dean Holden and sporting director Mark Allen were sacked earlier this season after the club's board acknowledged 'unsatisfactory results'. Gerrard was spared the same fate after meeting with the hierarchy but Friday's setback against Al-Kholood saw him suffer another punishing setback.
Steven Gerrard was dealt another blow in Saudi Arabia after Al-Ettifaq's latest defeat. Gerrard's side are 11th in the Saudi Pro League and just three points above the relegation zone. He is under pressure to salvage their season after facing calls for his dismissal last year.
'The team's performance was poor and it's hard to defend anyone, especially when we concede three goals like that,' said Gerrard post-match. The 44-year-old is believed to be one of the best paid managers in world football and earns an estimated £15million a year in the Gulf state.
.jpg?trim=85,0,86,0&quality=75&auto=webp&width=1000)
-Cropped.png?width=1200&auto=webp)