- Al-Ettifaq continue to struggle under Gerrard and are 11th of 18 in league table
- Gerrard was booed by own fans following a previous defeat as pressure grows
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Under-fire Al-Ettifaq boss Steven Gerrard has avoided being sacked by the Saudi Pro League club – but two key staff members have left in a bid to try to improve results.
Gerrard was booed by a significant section of the home fanbase earlier this month after Al-Ettifaq were beaten by Al-Qadsiah.
Supporters had urged the Liverpool legend to ‘get out’ following the result, which came after a 3-1 loss to lower league outfit Al-Jabalain in the King’s Cup last-16.
Al-Ettifaq were beaten 3-1 by Al-Hilal on Friday, with Aleksandar Mitrovic, Malcolm and Mohammed Al-Qahtani on target for the reigning champions.
The result left Al-Ettifaq lying 12th in the 18-team Saudi Pro League heading into the international break, raising further doubts over Gerrard’s future.
Steven Gerrard remains Al-Ettifaq manager but two key members of staff have been sacked
Gerrard’s side were beaten 3-1 by Al-Hilal last week to lie 12th in the 18-team Saudi Pro League
Al-Ettifaq have now announced two key changes in the club’s staff, with Gerrard’s assistant Dean Holden and sports director Mark Allen leaving the club.
Former Charlton Athletic and Bristol City manager Holden had joined Gerrard’s coaching set-up in February and was given a two-year contract extension in July.
Allen had previously been director of football at Rangers, during Gerrard’s time at the club.
A statement from the club read: ‘The board of Ettifaq, led by Mr. Samer Almisehal, has approved the recommendations of the football committee, which are as follows: Mark Allen to leave his position as executive sporting director by mutual agreement.
‘Dean Holden to leave his position as assistant manager by mutual agreement.
‘The chairman, Mr Sameer Almisehal, reaffirmed that the board is fully committed to supporting the technical staff and players in their efforts to improve the club’s position in the league and to secure a top spot in the Gulf Champions League.
‘He also expressed his apologies to Ettifaq fans for the disappointing exit from the King Cup.
‘The board and everyone at the club deeply appreciate the unwavering support of Ettifaq fans despite recent unsatisfactory results. We remain optimistic that better results are on the horizon.’
Gerrard has come under mounting pressure amid a run of poor results so far this season
His assistant coach Dean Holden, a former Charlton boss, has been axed by Al-Ettifaq
Al Ettifaq’s board hope staff changes will lead to a change after ‘recent unsatisfactory results’
Gerrard is 16 months into his £15.2m-a-year contract at Al-Ettifaq and led the club to sixth place in the Saudi Pro League last season.
Pundits in Saudi Arabia have called for Gerrard to step down after a poor run of results this season.
Al-Ettifaq have won only three of their 10 league matches this season, drawing two and losing five.
The results have left Al-Ettifaq just four points above the relegation zone in the Saudi Pro League.