Steven Gerrard has vowed to fight on as Ettifaq manager following a meeting with Hatim Al Misehal, the Saudi Pro League club’s head of football. The Liverpool legend has found himself under increasing pressure in recent weeks following a poor run of form.
Ettifaq currently sit 10th in the league and haven’t won a league game since mid-September. Meanwhile, they suffered a shock King’s Cup exit to second tier side Al-Jabalain FC in their last outing.
Having only finished sixth in the Saudi Pro League last season, Gerrard has faced growing calls to resign from his position from supporters and pundits alike.
But while he has acknowledged the backlash, the former Reds captain has insisted he is working hard to improve results.
On the back of recent results in my position you are always aware of disappointment from fans,” Gerrard said at his latest pre-match press conference. “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.
I listen to the people within and continue to support my players. I meet Mr Hatem after every game and we talk football, where it is a win, loss or draw, we have fantastic support, myself, the staff and the players from the management team.
We did meet yesterday but we meet after every single game.”
Meanwhile, Gerrard has responded to criticism that he arranges Ettifaq training sessions at certain times so that he can still watch Liverpool matches as he reiterated his commitment to the Saudi club.
I am aware of where it came from,” he said. “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.
“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.
