Gerrard under growing pressure of Saudi sack after "aggressive" transfer demand
Steven Gerrard is already in danger of losing his job at Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq, according to reports.
Gerrard, 43, was appointed by Al-Ettifaq in July and brought several notable stars to Saudi Arabia during his first transfer window in charge. Jordan Henderson, Moussa Dembele, Georginio Wijnaldum and Demarai Gray were among those to join Gerrard's squad.
Yet Al-Ettifaq's season isn't going to plan. Gerrard has won just seven of his 21 games in charge in all competitions, with his team's last win coming more than two months ago. They are eighth in the table, just eight points above the relegation zone.
Henderson and several other members of Al-Ettifaq's squad are enjoying a break in the season, with the Asian Cup under way in Qatar. Al-Ettifaq's Saudi Pro League campaign doesn't resume until February 15, when they travel to Dammam to play Al-Khaleej.
It's feared that Gerrard could be out of a job by that point. According to The Guardian, the former England captain's position is vulnerable due to Al-Ettifaq's poor form, with his reputation as one of the best midfielders of his generation keeping him employed.
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Saudi clubs have previous for ruthlessly sacking managers. Nuno Espirito Santo, who is now in charge of Premier League side Nottingham Forest, led Al-Ittihad to the Saudi Pro League title last season but was sacked in November - just five months after their triumph.
Mirror Football columnist Robbie Fowler left his role as manager of Al-Qadsiah in October after just four months. He didn't lose any of eight games in charge, winning six. Al-Ettifaq themselves have overseen more than 30 managerial changes since 2000.
Jordan Henderson was one of Gerrard's big signings last summer (Getty Images)Do you think Steven Gerrard will lose his job at Al-Ettifaq? Let us know in the comments below!
Gerrard's managerial career would be left in tatters if the Saudi club make another change. The Liverpool legend was touted as a potential successor for Jurgen Klopp on Merseyside after winning the Scottish Premiership title with Rangers in May 2021.
Gerrard's success in Scotland put him on the managerial map and Aston Villa appointed him in November 2021. Yet Gerrard left Villa Park having won just 13 of his 40 games in charge. His successor Unai Emery has transformed Villa into title contenders.
Gerrard has urged Al-Ettifaq's owners to invest in the squad in January. "We need to be aggressive, we need to be ruthless, and we need to make a lot of changes to make this team more competitive," he said after December's 1-1 draw against bottom club Al-Hazem.
"We need to show in this window, and also the summer window, that we mean business and we want to be competitive at the top of the league... Hopefully, at the back end of January, you will see a different, stronger and more competitive squad."
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