- Al-Ettifaq suffered a 3-2 defeat to Al Kholood, leaving them stuck in 11th place
- Steven Gerrard ripped into his side’s performance as fears of relegation increased
- Listen to It all starts! Why Manchester United may have to sell Kobbie Mainoo or Alejandro Garnacho
Steven Gerrard moved closer to the brink in Saudi Arabia after Al-Ettifaq’s latest defeat left them hovering above the Pro League relegation zone.
A narrow 3-2 defeat at home to Al-Kholood leaves Gerrard’s struggling side in 11th place and just three points clear of the drop zone, having won just four of their 14 matches.
Gerrard has had a difficult time since taking charge of the club in July 2023. After finishing sixth in his first season, Al-Ettifaq appear to have taken steps backwards this year, increasing the pressure on the head coach.
Gerrard is increasingly facing calls for his resignation after a string of poor performances.
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 a meeting with the hierarchy, but Friday’s setback against Al-Kholood saw him suffer another major setback.
Steven Gerrard suffered another blow in Saudi Arabia after Al-Ettifaq’s latest defeat
Gerrard’s team are eleventh in the Saudi Pro League and only three points above the relegation zone
He is under pressure to save their season after receiving calls for his resignation last year
“The team’s performance was poor and it’s difficult to defend anyone, especially when we concede three goals like that,” Gerrard said after the match.
The 44-year-old is considered one of the highest-paid managers in world football, earning an estimated £15 million a year in the Gulf state.
His lucrative contract currently runs until 2027.
Gerrard was booed by his own supporters after a 2-0 defeat to local rivals Al Qadisiya last November, with many heard shouting ‘get out’.
Last week he suffered another blow after losing one of the key players. Midfielder Seko Fofana left for Ligue 1 team Rennes on a permanent contract.
Fofana was loaned to Al-Ettifaq from rivals Al-Nassr midway through last season.
A released club statement read: ‘Ettifaq announces the termination of the loan agreement of the player Seko Fofana, who was loaned from Al-Nassr FC during last summer’s transfer window, by mutual consent between both parties.
‘The club would like to thank the player for his time with the team and wishes him every success in his next challenge.
“Ettifaq also expresses his gratitude and appreciation to the board of directors and executives of Al-Nassr FC for their continued and professional cooperation.”
Gerrard said: ‘I didn’t expect Fofana to leave, it happened suddenly.’