Steven Gerrard admits Al Ettifaq star could leave in January as pressure grows on Liverpool legend
Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard will be under increasing pressure after suffering another defeat as Al Ettifaq manager. The Reds icon oversaw a 2-1 defeat to Al Ahli in the Saudi Pro League on Monday night, a result which leaves Al Ettifaq 11th in the table.
Gerrard has been in charge of the Saudi Arabia-based club since the summer of 2023, having previously enjoyed roles in charge of Rangers and Aston Villa. Al Ettifaq are just five points above the relegation zone at the halfway stage of the campaign, with speculation already swirling about the Liverpool icon's future in the job.
It was during a press conference on Monday that Gerrard spoke about the recent form of the team, as well as the January transfer window. Saudi Pro League clubs have until January 30 to complete their business, and Gerrard has admitted that another player could leave the club before the end of the month, following the New Year's Day departure of Seko Fofana.
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"I hope the next 10 days during the ongoing winter transfer window will be fruitful for us, especially since we lost players with experience and quality," Gerrard told reporters on Monday.
"Like Seko Fofana and Toko Ekambi, who most likely will not stay with us for the rest of the season."
Gerrard also expressed his frustration with his team's performance in the defeat to Al Ahli. The Liverpool icon revealed how he tried to help the Al Ettifaq players during his half-time team talk on Monday night.
"I am not happy with the first half performance," said Gerrard.
"In the second half, we played more positively and created more scoring opportunities," the former Liverpool captain added. "The important thing is to maintain the same intensity we showed during this half in the upcoming matches.
"In big games, some players struggle with losing confidence and belief, so it was necessary during half time to instil enthusiasm and confidence in them."
