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Steven Gerrard sack decision 'made' after Ettifaq crisis summit as boss sees Saudi SOS to Rangers champion collapse
Under-fire Steven Gerrard has reportedly been given a chance to turn things around at Al-Ettifaq after crisis talks behind the scenes.
Amid a disappointing start to the season, speculation has ramped up over the future of the former Aston Villa and Rangers boss. The 3-1 defeat to Al-Hilal before the international break saw the club tumble to 12th in the table having won just one of their last eight games in the Saudi Pro League. Saudi news outlet Al Yaum report that the club higher-ups held crisis talks with the Liverpool legend about his future before domestic matters were put on hold before the international break.
It is claimed that "Ettifaq preferred not to sack Gerrard despite the unconvincing results and levels during the recent period". The boss will be "given the opportunity to correct the situation during the coming period" with the international break viewed as a chance to "recalculate."
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It is claimed that the league clash with Al-Riyadh is "essential to win" for Gerrard when Saudi football resumes. Ettifaq are also said to be looking at adding to the backroom team of their boss to help revive their campaign.
One man that appears unlikely to be able to help rescue his former boss is Ryan Kent. The winger had his Fenerbahce contract ripped up just 16 months after leaving Rangers after threatening to take the Turkish giants to the Court of Arbitration for Sport after his poor treatment in Istanbul.
It has been suggested that Gerrard and former Ibrox director of football Mark Allen had an interest in taking the 27-year-old to the Middle East. FIFA rules state that clubs can sign players who without a club outside of the windows, but must wait until the next registration period to play - and if Ettifaq did snap up Kent he would have to wait until January to play.
But El Bashayer report a move to Saudi is unlikely with Kent "aiming to stay in European leagues". It has also been reported Preston North End are among the clubs chasing a deal for the Premiership title winner.
