Gunners Star Steven Gerrard Issues Statement As He Addresses Al-Ettifaq Sacking

Pressure continues to mount on Steven Gerrard after Al-Ettifaq’s 4-0 defeat at the hands of Al-Ittihad made it nine games without a win for the Liverpool icon

Al-Ettifaq boss Steven Gerrard has had a dire season in the Saudi Pro League so far Steven Gerrard opted not to delve into the sacking of his former Al-Ettifaq assistant after losing 4-0 to Al-Ittihad…Don’t Miss Out! CLICK HERE TO KEEP READING>>>

The Liverpool legend has presided over six league defeats in their last nine games as pressure continues to mount on the 44-year-old. Real Madrid legend Karim Benzema did the damage on Saturday for Al-Ittihad, stealing the show with a goal and two assists on his return from injury.

Al-Ettifaq’s latest defeat came despite the appointment of Gerrard’s old ally, ex-Rangers and Sunderland boss Michael Beale, as his new assistant. Beale replaced the sacked Dean Holden – but it didn’t matter as the hosts succumbed to another woeful defeat.

After the game, Gerrard addressed Holden’s firing but refused to discuss the details of the decision. He said: “This conference is not the place to talk about dismissing the assistant coach. These decisions are the decisions of the board of directors.”

Sitting 13th in the table and just three points above the relegation zone, the Gerrard continues to face mounting pressure over his position as head coach, which he assumed in July 2023. It was Al-Ettifaq’s 3-1 defeat at the hands of Al-Jabalain that caused their exit from the King’s Cup in October, which in turn sparked the decision to dismiss Holden and their former executive sporting director, Mark Allen.

An agreement to mutually terminate their contracts was completed following the defeat, with Gerrard commenting on the pair’s departure last month. “The club made decisions regarding the departure of Mark Allen and Dean Holden,” the ex-Reds captain said.

Gerrard’s Al-Ettifaq are without a win in their last nine games across all competitions

“The decision was also made to bring Michael Beale in who is a super coach, we spent years together previously and it’s great to have him back with me. Now we need some time to develop and improve.”

Gerrard will hope to guide his side back to winning ways next week when they travel to take on Al-Khaleej, who sit seventh in the table.

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