Steven Gerrard’s Al-Ettifaq side has now gone two months without a win in all competitions, leaving it only eight points above the drop zone in the Saudi league.
Jordan Henderson and Steven Gerrard’s tough time in Saudi Arabia continues as the former Liverpool pair’s team, Al-Ettifaq, hasn’t won a game in two months.
Former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson and Al-Ettifaq drop a recently victory
Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard is now the head coach of Al Ettifaq in the Saudi Pro League.
They last tasted victory on October 28 and have only one win in their previous 13 games in all competitions, leaving them just eight points above the relegation zone.
Gerrard thought they were finally going to get three points this week against Al Hazem, who are at the bottom of the league. However, Demarai Gray’s goal was canceled out by a last-minute equalizer, resulting in a draw.
The Liverpool legend is now feeling the pressure due to poor performances on the pitch. He’s calling for new signings in the January transfer window to help turn things around.
“I am the first to hold responsibility and I will not blame anyone,” Gerrard said after Al-Ettifaq’s 1-1 draw this week.
“Al Kuwaykibi came on as a substitute against Al-Nassr and performed well, which is why he deserved the opportunity to start.
“I know our financial capacity well and we have the opportunity to make signings that will improve the team. You can find players in other teams who scored 13 goals. We have Moussa (Dembélé) who scored eight, Gini Wijnaldum scored six and the rest either scored one or two goals.”
The Saudi Pro League is currently on a long break, with teams not scheduled to play again until mid-February. This allows Gerrard time to reflect and assess where Al-Ettifaq, his team, might need to improve. With only seven goals, their top scorer, Moussa Dembélé, may want to step up his attack.
Gerrard might, according to the Daily Mirror, try to bring Roberto Firmino to his team. Firmino used to play with Jordan Henderson and Wijnaldum at Liverpool but isn’t getting much game time at his current club, Al-Ahli.
Gerrard said about Firmino: “I obviously know Bobby extremely well, I’ve been a massive fan. I’ve followed him for years. At the moment, he’s Al-Ahli’s player, so it’s very difficult for me to comment on that situation. But I’ve loved Bobby Firmino since the first day I watched him and I’m a huge fan.”