Steven Gerrard gets welcome boost after making feelings clear on surprise Al-Ettifaq sacking

Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard has been given a welcome boost in what has been a difficult time as manager of Saudi Arabian side Al-Ettifaq.

The former midfielder joined the Middle East club as manager in the summer of 2023, but has recently found himself under pressure amid a run of winless games. The poor form led to structural changes at the club, with assistant manager Dean Holden and executive sporting director Mark Allen being sacked by the club.

It was then confirmed that former Liverpool coach Michael Beale would join the club as assistant manager. Both Gerrard and Beale worked together during the former’s managerial stints at Rangers and Aston Villa.

READ MORE: Mohamed Salah’s huge net worth, wife Magi, Liverpool and house admissions

READ MORE: Rio Ferdinand makes exciting Liverpool trophy prediction supporters will love

Speaking out on the changes, Gerrard urged patience. "The club made decisions regarding the departure of Mark Allen and Dean Holden," he said earlier in the week.

"The decision was also made to bring Michael Beale in who is a super coach, we spent years together previously and it's great to have him back with me. Now we need some time to develop and improve."

Al-Ettifaq were back in action on Wednesday as they took on Al Arabi in the GCC Champions League Group stage. They came out as 2-1 winners, leaving them at the top of group B with three wins from three.

The competition will come as a welcome boost to Gerrard and his team. They currently sit in 12th place in the Saudi Pro League, having won three, drawn three and lost five of their opening 11 matches of the season.

Following the match, Gerrard spoke of his ambition to now take that form into their next game.

"We presented a good level and maintained our winning streak in the Gulf Championship," he said in his post-match press conference. "We showed a good performance in today's match and achieved a positive result.

"We scored two good goals against a strong and balanced team, Al-Arabi, and appeared cohesive. The result motivates us to maintain the same rhythm, We are happy to appear positively as we continue the challenges in the Gulf Championships."

They have a tough challenge coming up this weekend when they return to league action. Al-Ettifaq host league leaders Al-Ittihad on Saturday.