- Steven Gerrard is under a lot of pressure at Al-Ettifaq after a difficult run of form
- Two of Gerrard’s associates left the club earlier this month after a major shake-up
- Liverpool correspondent LEWIS STEELE tells all in bombshell chat with Mo Salah – LISTEN NOW It all starts! New episodes every Monday and Thursday
Steven Gerrard has opened up about Al-Ettifaq’s decision to sack two members of his support staff, but admits his party needs to improve.
The Liverpool legend has faced calls for his sacking as manager after poor form this season.
Al-Ettifaq were 12th in the 18-team Saudi Pro League heading into the international break, casting further doubts over Gerrard’s future.
The club ultimately remained loyal to Gerrard, but announced the departure of assistant coach Dean Holden and sporting director Mark Allen.
Al-Ettifaq’s board had acknowledged “unsatisfactory results” in a statement confirming their departure, adding that it remained “optimistic that better results are on the horizon.”
Last week it was announced that former Sunderland, QPR and Rangers manager Michael Beale would join the club as Gerrard’s new assistant.
Steven Gerrard admits Al-Ettifaq need to improve following changes to his coaching staff
Gerrard has been reunited with his former Rangers and Aston Villa assistant Michael Beale
Beale previously worked as Gerrard’s assistant at Rangers in 2018 and was widely praised for his role in helping the Scottish giants win their first league title in a decade.
The 44-year-old followed the Liverpool legend to Aston Villa in November 2021, before single-handedly taking over QPR as manager in June 2022.
His move was a major blow to Gerrard, who was sacked by the Villans four months later.
Gerrard has now discussed the changes to his coaching staff at Al-Ettifaq and expressed his hope that Beale can help make a positive impact on the club’s fortunes.
“The club has made decisions regarding the departures of Mark Allen and Dean Holden,” Gerrard said at a press conference.
‘The decision was also made to bring in Michael Beale, a super coach. We spent years together before and it’s great to have him with me again.
‘I didn’t want to lose Michael when I was at Aston Villa and when he left it was a blow for me.
“If he had been available when I negotiated to come to Al-Ettifaq, he would have been my assistant at the club.
‘Now we need some time to develop and improve.’
Al-Ettifaq are currently twelfth in the Saudi Pro League after a disappointing start to the season
Gerrard’s comments followed Al-Ettifaq drawing to a goalless draw against Al-Riyadh, a result that keeps his side in twelfth place in the table with twelve points from eleven games.
Al-Ettifaq is five points clear of the relegation zone in the Saudi Pro League.
The club’s disappointing results had led to Gerrard being booed by a significant portion of the home fanbase after Al-Ettifaq were defeated by Al-Qadsiah earlier this month.
Supporters had urged the Liverpool legend to ‘get out’ after the result, which came after a 3-1 defeat to lower league side Al-Jabalain in the last-16 King’s Cup.
Gerrard has a £15.2million contract with Al-Ettifaq and guided the club to sixth place in the Saudi Pro League last season.