Steven Gerrard’s managerial career at Saudi Pro League club Al-Ettifaq has hit a new low, with fans demanding his dismissal following a shocking 3-1 defeat to second-division side Al-Jabalain in the King’s Cup. The Liverpool legend, who commands a staggering £15.2 million annual salary, finds himself under intense scrutiny as his team continues to struggle, having failed to secure a league victory since mid-September.
The embarrassing cup exit has sparked outrage among supporters, with many suggesting that Gerrard appears disinterested and is merely waiting to be sacked to collect a substantial compensation package. The mounting criticism comes as Al-Ettifaq languishes in 10th place in the Saudi Pro League, precariously positioned just five points above the relegation zone.
Gerrard’s tenure at the Saudi club has been marked by inconsistency, with his overall record standing at 17 wins, 15 losses, and 14 draws from 46 matches. The team’s last league victory came against Al-Fateh on September 14, a narrow 2-1 win that has been followed by a concerning downward spiral in form.
Adding fuel to the fans’ frustration, Gerrard recently admitted to scheduling training sessions around Liverpool’s match times to ensure he wouldn’t miss watching his former club play. This revelation has particularly irked supporters, who view it as evidence of his divided loyalties and questionable commitment to Al-Ettifaq’s cause.
The social media backlash has been fierce, with fans taking to X (formerly Twitter) to express their dissatisfaction. One supporter, @HashimM10467584, pointedly questioned, “It is clear that the coach wants to leave and take the penalty clause. So the coach is sitting all the time and not moving??” Another fan, @M_alayni, delivered a scathing assessment, stating that “Al-Ettifaq has become a laughing stock and Gerrard has become a comedian who makes everyone who follows Al-Ettifaq matches laugh.
The criticism extends beyond Gerrard’s tactical approach and results, with supporters highlighting concerns about the frequency of training sessions. One frustrated fan, @ettifaqi1437, questioned the team’s practice schedule, noting, “Have you ever seen a coach who has more rest days than training days!! How does the team develop when the players only train during the week!! After each match, there is a two to three day rest!!”
Some supporters have already begun calling for potential replacements, with local coach Saad Al-Shehri being suggested as a suitable candidate to take over the reins. The sentiment was captured by user @oss9r9, who demanded: “The solution is clear: dismiss the English plumber and his replacement is ready and knows the club, Saad Al-Shehri.”
The current crisis at Al-Ettifaq represents a significant fall from grace for Gerrard, who arrived in Saudi Arabia with high expectations following his previous managerial stints at Rangers and Aston Villa. The former England captain’s reputation as one of football’s most celebrated players has not translated into managerial success in the Middle East, with his team’s performances failing to justify his substantial salary package.
The immediate future looks challenging for Gerrard, with Saturday’s upcoming fixture against Al-Qadsiyah taking on added significance. A positive result could provide some temporary respite, but the broader concerns about his leadership and commitment to the project seem unlikely to dissipate without a sustained period of improvement.
The situation at Al-Ettifaq highlights the growing pressures and expectations within Saudi football, where significant investment in foreign talent and coaches has raised the stakes for all involved. For Gerrard, the coming weeks could prove decisive in determining whether he can salvage his position or whether his Saudi Arabian adventure will come to a premature end.
As the club teeters dangerously close to the relegation battle, the board faces a crucial decision regarding Gerrard’s future. The combination of poor results, questionable commitment, and mounting fan pressure creates a perfect storm that threatens to end his tenure at Al-Ettifaq. Whether he can weather this storm and prove his critics wrong remains to be seen, but the clock is ticking for the Liverpool legend to turn things around in Saudi Arabia.
