Former Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard is under increasing pressure after his team, Al-Ettifaq, suffered a surprising defeat to second-division side Al-Jabalain.
This loss in the King Cup’s last-16 stage, where they fell 3-1, has raised serious questions about Gerrard’s future at the club.
Currently, Al-Ettifaq is sitting in 10th place in the Saudi Pro League, having not secured a league victory since mid-September. They are only five points clear of the relegation zone, highlighting the team’s struggles in recent weeks.
Fans and journalists in Saudi Arabia are questioning Gerrard’s management skills as the team has failed to win in the league for over six weeks.
Nasser Al-Jedaie, a Saudi football pundit, openly criticized Gerrard’s leadership. He stated, “Gerrard served Al-Ettifaq outside the field, but there are no results for the technical work.
What is the project that Gerrard is leading?” This criticism reflects the growing discontent among fans and analysts regarding Gerrard’s ability to guide the team effectively.
Gerrard has been in charge of Al-Ettifaq for 16 months and achieved a sixth-place finish last season, but recent performances have led to doubts about his tactical approach and ability to inspire the team.
As the club faces mounting pressure, the spotlight is on Gerrard to turn things around quickly to save his position and restore confidence among fans and players alike.
With Al-Ettifaq’s current trajectory, the upcoming fixtures will be crucial for Gerrard. A series of poor results could prompt the club’s management to reevaluate their direction, potentially leading to Gerrard’s departure if he cannot produce positive outcomes soon.
The situation remains tense as the former Liverpool star seeks to navigate these challenges and improve the club’s fortunes in the Saudi Pro League.