Steven Gerrard ’embarrassed’ by Al Ettifaq struggles with boss at risk of sack

Steven Gerrard is under increasing pressure as manager of Al-Ettifaq with reports claiming a decision on his future is “expected.”Steven Gerrard, the beleaguered manager of Al-Ettifaq, has taken full responsibility for the team’s recent poor form, amid reports from Saudi Arabia that a decision on his future is “expected” imminently from the club’s board.

Gerrard’s side suffered a 2-0 defeat to Al Qadsiah, hot on the heels of their disastrous King’s Cup loss to second-tier Al-Jabalain. This latest setback means Al-Ettifaq have won just one of their last seven matches, causing them to plummet to 11th place in the Saudi Pro League.The fans made their dissatisfaction clear with loud boos echoing around the EGO Stadium after the defeat in Dammam.According to Saudi publication Al-Youm, the club’s management are contemplating a change at the helm but are “expected to make a final decision this week” due to the ongoing slump. Despite the fans’ angry reaction, it’s suggested that the club could still “renew confidence” in Gerrard despite the recent string of disappointing results.

After the match, Gerrard defended the “project” at Ettifaq while accepting the criticism levelled at his team.In his post-match comments, Gerrard stated: “I spoke to the players. If we had performed like this before, we would not have put ourselves in this embarrassing situation, but I bear the responsibility.”
“We conceded the first goal from a set piece. Previously, we used to defend better from set pieces. The second goal was scored by a young player, and he made the same mistake he made against Al-Fayha. The player is young, and I bear responsibility for the second goal.”I bear full responsibility for using a young player in defence, as he has little experience. His recruitment was to prepare him for development and the future, and using him was not appropriate, but due to injuries, we were put in this position.”The speculation over an Ettifaq exit for the Liverpool legend comes while Rangers boss Philippe Clement is facing increased scrutiny after a lacklustre start to the campaign. The rumour mills has ramped up with bookmakers making the Premier League icon one of the favourites to replace the Belgian after lifting the Premiership title during his previous spell in charge.