Yahoo Sport 
Steven Gerrard makes 'tough' confession as Liverpool legend faces increasing pressure in Saudi Arabia
Steven Gerrard has again explained his controversial decision to join Al Ettifaq in the summer of 2023. The Liverpool legend currently finds himself under increasing pressure in the Saudi Pro League, with his side winning just one of their last nine matches in all competitions.
Supporters have called for the 44-year-old to step down and have booed him after defeats, with Ettifaq currently 12th in the 18-team table despite Gerrard being backed significantly in the transfer market.
However, he has retained his position with the Saudi outfit instead recently dismissing his assistant manager, Dean Holden, and sporting director Mark Allen from their roles.
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Gerrard has since been reunited with former Liverpool coach Michael Beale as his new assistant manager, having previously served as the former England international’s number two at both Rangers and Aston Villa.
Beale left the Villans in the summer of 2022 to take over as Queens Park Rangers manager, with Gerrard’s fortunes at Villa Park subsequently declining before he was sacked in October 2022.
Ettifaq return to action after the November international break on Sunday when they travel to Al-Riyadh.
And Gerrard has reiterated his desire to make his time in Saudi Arabia a successful one when speaking on the new Netflix documentary, ‘Saudi Pro League: Kickoff’.
The former Liverpool captain has posted a teaser clip on his Instagram page as he explained his decision to make the move to the Gulf State in the first place.
“The timing just coincided with me being out of the game and looking for my next opportunity,” he said. “It’s a very tough challenge.
“But for me in football, the size of the challenge and the pressure and the responsibility, that’s something that excites me.
“It’s something that I want to really get my teeth into and try and make a difference. That’s why I wanted to join.”
