Steven Gerrard remains determined to steer Al Ettifaq forward despite mounting pressure after the team’s disappointing run of form, having stood his ground in a crucial discussion with club Football chief Hatim Al Misehal.
The Liverpool icon is facing an uphill battle as the Saudi Pro League team languish in 10th place without a league victory since mid-September, compounded by an unexpected defeat in the King’s Cup to lower-tier Al-Jabalain FC.
Last season saw the team finish sixth, and dissatisfaction from fans and criticism from commentators have intensified, but Gerrard refuses to step down, confronting the challenges head-on.
Responding to the recent discontent surrounding his leadership, Gerrard admitted at his latest media briefing: “On the back of recent results in my position you are always aware of disappointment from fans. I have to take that responsibility on my shoulders.
“That is what I will do and continue to fight and work to improve the recent results. I don’t react, change or get overly-concerned about social media or anyone on the outside of Ettifaq’s opinion, my priority is this club.”
Gerrard said of his regular dialogues with Al Misehal: “I listen to the people within and continue to support my players.
“I meet Mr Hatem after every game and we talk football, whether it is a win, loss or draw, we have fantastic support, myself, the staff and the players from the management team.”
Gerrard also clarified the nature of their discussions: “We did meet yesterday but we meet after every single game.”
In the midst of debates regarding his commitments, Gerrard has hit back at suggestions that he timetables training sessions for Al Ettifaq around Liverpool matches, reaffirming his dedication to the Saudi club.
“I am aware of where it came from,” he acknowledged in response to the whispers. “I was on a podcast trying to raise money for a children’s charity to make the charity survive and continue.
“I was asked if I still followed Liverpool and I said, ‘Of course I still follow Liverpool,’ they played a huge part of my life and shaped me as a player, person and coach I am today.”
However, he underlined his professional focus: “I want to make it abundantly clear my priority is Ettifaq, I have a contract with Ettifaq and I am in a real privileged position.
“I respect all my previous clubs, Liverpool, Aston Villa, Rangers and LA Galaxy, but my main importance is this job and trying to make this club in the best possible way on and off the field. I am all in and I will continue to be all in.”
