Steven Gerrard dealt one other blow in Saudi Arabia as Al-Ettifaq slip nearer to the relegation zone after newest defeat – with Liverpool legend admitting: ‘It’s laborious to defend anybody’
- Al-Ettifaq suffered a 3-2 defeat by Al-Kholood, leaving them stuck in 11th place
- Steven Gerrard ripped into his side’s display as their relegation fears mounted
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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 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.
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.
His lucrative contract is currently set to run until 2027.
Gerrard was booed by his own supporters after a 2-0 loss to local rivals Al Qadisiya last November, with many heard shouting ‘get out’.
He was dealt another blow last week after losing one of key players, midfielder Seko Fofana having departed for Ligue 1 outfit Rennes in a permanent deal.
Fofana had joined Al-Ettifaq on loan from rivals Al-Nassr midway through last season.
A club statement released read: ‘Ettifaq announces the termination of the loan agreement of the player Seko Fofana, who was loaned from Al-Nassr FC during the last summer transfer window, by mutual consent between both parties.
‘The club extends its sincere thanks to the player for his time with the team, wishing him the best of luck in his next challenge.
‘Ettifaq also expresses its gratitude and appreciation of the board of directors and the executives of Al-Nassr FC for their continued and professional cooperation.’
Gerrard said: ‘I didn’t expect Fofana to leave, it happened suddenly.’
