17 February 2024 , 10:20
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Steven Gerrard declared "the pressure is now off" after guiding Al Ettifaq to their first win in the Saudi Pro League since October with a 2-0 triumph over Khaleej on Thursday evening.
Goals from ex-Liverpool midfielder Gini Wijnaldum and the former Everton man Demarai Gray ended an alarming stretch without victory that had lasted since October 28.
Despite only having two victories out of their last 14 matches, three points at Prince Mohamed bin Fahd Stadium should relieve some strain on Gerrard. The team had fallen down the league table and were barely eight points clear of the relegation zone prior to the win.
Gerrard, who signed a new three-year contract with Ettifaq recently, remained cool under pressure. Despite mounting discontent from fans, the former Rangers and Aston Villa boss reminded everyone that turning the club's fortunes around was never going to be an overnight job.
After clinching the win, he stated: "We have a lot of time to improve before the next game. For me, the pressure is now off."
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Gerrard's side sit eighth in the Saudi Pro League table (AFP via Getty Images)The victory in what was Al-Ettifaq's first game of 2024 also saw the club kick off life without former skipper Jordan Henderson in style.
The former Liverpool captain recently moved back to Europe to join Ajax, with ex-Reds star Wijnaldum - who won the Premier League and Champions League alongside Henderson at Anfield - taking over as the club's new skipper.
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