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 is arduous to defend anybody’

Steven Gerrard moved nearer to the brink in Saudi Arabia after Al-Ettifaq’s newest defeat left them teetering above the Professional League relegation zone. 

A slender 3-2 loss at dwelling to Al-Kholood leaves Gerrard’s struggling facet eleventh and simply three factors away from the drop zone, having received solely 4 of their 14 matches.

Gerrard has endured a tough time since taking cost of the membership in July 2023 and after securing a sixth-placed end in his first season, Al-Ettifaq look to have taken steps backwards this 12 months, piling the stress on their head coach.

Certainly, Gerrard has confronted rising requires his dismissal after a run of poor kind.

His assistant coach Dean Holden and sporting director Mark Allen had been sacked earlier this season after the membership’s board acknowledged ‘unsatisfactory outcomes’. 

Gerrard was spared the identical destiny after assembly with the hierarchy however Friday’s setback in opposition to Al-Kholood noticed him endure one other punishing setback.

Steven Gerrard was dealt one other blow in Saudi Arabia after Al-Ettifaq’s newest defeat

Gerrard’s facet are eleventh within the Saudi Professional League and simply three factors above the relegation zone

He’s below stress to salvage their season after dealing with requires his dismissal final 12 months

‘The group’s efficiency was poor and it is arduous to defend anybody, particularly after we concede three targets like that,’ stated Gerrard post-match.

The 44-year-old is believed to be among the best paid managers in world soccer and earns an estimated £15million a 12 months within the Gulf state. 

His profitable contract is at present set to run till 2027. 

Gerrard was booed by his personal supporters after a 2-0 loss to native rivals Al Qadisiya final November, with many heard shouting ‘get out’.

He was dealt one other blow final week after dropping one in every of key gamers, midfielder Seko Fofana having departed for Ligue 1 outfit Rennes in a everlasting deal.

Fofana had joined Al-Ettifaq on mortgage from rivals Al-Nassr halfway by final season.

A membership assertion launched learn: ‘Ettifaq publicizes the termination of the mortgage settlement of the participant Seko Fofana, who was loaned from Al-Nassr FC over the last summer time switch window, by mutual consent between each events.

‘The membership extends its honest due to the participant for his time with the group, wishing him the very best of luck in his subsequent problem. 

‘Ettifaq additionally expresses its gratitude and appreciation of the board of administrators and the executives of Al-Nassr FC for his or her continued {and professional} cooperation.’

Gerrard stated: ‘I did not anticipate Fofana to depart, it occurred instantly.’