Steven Gerrard’s tenure at Al-Ettifaq has reached a breaking point. His second season in Saudi Arabia has seen his team fall into disarray, with no sign of a recovery in sight. After another disappointing loss on Friday night, pressure has mounted to an unbearable level, and the Liverpool icon is now facing the wrath of frustrated fans.
Al-Ettifaq’s Dismal Form: Seven Matches, No Wins
Gerrard’s arrival in Saudi Arabia in 2023 was met with high expectations. After guiding Al-Ettifaq to a respectable sixth-place finish in the Saudi Pro League, there was optimism about what his second season could bring. However, 2024 has been a year to forget for the former Liverpool captain.
His side has failed to win any of their last seven league matches, a streak that stretches back to mid-September. As of now, Al-Ettifaq sits 11th in the league, a massive 17 points behind table-toppers Al-Hilal. With only three wins under their belt this season, Gerrard’s team looks a shadow of the side he managed to assemble last year.
The most recent defeat came on Friday night, with Al-Ettifaq falling short once again. While Gerrard’s men put in an effort, they couldn’t break the deadlock and were undone by another underwhelming display. Fans in attendance weren’t shy about showing their displeasure, with boos ringing out from sections of the stadium.
This loss has pushed Gerrard’s position into serious jeopardy, and calls for his resignation have only grown louder. The pressure has become almost unbearable, with disgruntled supporters chanting for the 43-year-old to step down. His growing unpopularity with the fans is a far cry from the days when he was idolised on Merseyside.
A Disastrous Streak Despite Transfer Investment
What makes this downward spiral even more frustrating for Gerrard is the significant backing he received in the transfer market. Over the summer, Al-Ettifaq’s board invested heavily in new signings, bringing in high-profile players to support the manager’s ambitions. However, the club’s form has not improved despite these investments, and many are beginning to question the wisdom of continuing with Gerrard at the helm.
While he was expected to build a title-challenging team, his tactical decisions and lack of progress on the pitch have overshadowed any positive contributions from the new signings. Al-Ettifaq’s failure to string together a consistent run of results, even with fresh faces in the squad, has left many wondering if Gerrard is the right man to lead them forward.
The team’s lack of cutting edge in front of goal has been one of their biggest problems. In the opening weeks of the season, Gerrard’s side showed promise, but as the season has worn on, they have become increasingly predictable and vulnerable at the back. With the pressure mounting, questions about whether Gerrard can turn things around are growing louder by the day.
Key Issues Behind Al-Ettifaq’s Struggles
It’s clear that there are multiple factors contributing to Al-Ettifaq’s dismal run, and it’s not just a case of bad luck. Below are some of the key issues facing Gerrard’s team:
- Tactical inflexibility: Gerrard has been criticised for not adapting his tactics to suit the strengths of his squad. The team has often looked rigid and one-dimensional, unable to break down opposition defences or react effectively when faced with adversity.
- Lack of squad cohesion: Despite the new arrivals, Al-Ettifaq still lacks fluidity and chemistry on the pitch. Players don’t seem to be clicking, and communication errors are frequent.
- Injuries and suspensions: Injuries have disrupted the consistency of the squad, with key players sidelined at crucial points in the season. This has forced Gerrard to make frequent changes to his starting XI, hindering the team’s ability to build any rhythm.
- Fan dissatisfaction: It’s clear that the fans have lost patience. The chants calling for Gerrard’s dismissal are a testament to the fact that his spell in charge is reaching its breaking point. The growing negativity surrounding the club can’t be ignored, and it may be affecting the players’ morale.
What’s Next for Gerrard?
With his job now on the line, it remains to be seen what the future holds for Steven Gerrard at Al-Ettifaq. The club’s owners have remained relatively quiet throughout this poor run, but their patience will eventually run out if results don’t improve soon.
If Gerrard is to keep his job, he will need to inspire an immediate turnaround. The team’s next few matches will be crucial, and the pressure will be on him to show that he still has the ability to get his players firing on all cylinders. A defeat in the coming weeks could see his tenure come to a swift end.
For Gerrard, this moment feels like a far cry from the high-flying days of his managerial career in the Scottish Premiership. His stint in Saudi Arabia has proven to be a far tougher challenge than anyone anticipated. If he doesn’t turn things around quickly, he may soon find himself looking for another job.
