Steven Gerrard’s tenure at Al-Ettifaq is facing intense scrutiny following a shock Saudi Cup exit at the hands of a second-division team. The Liverpool legend’s team selection has come under fire, with critics questioning his tactical approach as he strives to demonstrate he’s the right fit to lead the club forward. Gerrard’s decision to continue his managerial career in the Middle East was met with mixed reactions, and now, as he struggles to deliver results, the skepticism surrounding his appointment has only grown louder.
Sixteen months into a lucrative £15.2 million-a-year contract, Gerrard has yet to secure a breakthrough season with Al-Ettifaq. Despite guiding the team to a respectable sixth-place finish in the Saudi Pro League last season, this campaign has been far from promising. Currently, Al-Ettifaq sits in tenth place, and with the specter of relegation looming large, fans and analysts alike are beginning to doubt Gerrard’s long-term prospects at the club. The team has not celebrated a league victory since September 14, a concerning slump that has intensified the pressure on Gerrard, especially after the unexpected cup defeat. Calls for change have emerged, with critics suggesting the club may need fresh leadership to avoid a potential relegation battle.
Prominent Saudi journalist Mohammed Al-Sadaan voiced his disappointment in Gerrard’s current position, calling the situation “sad” and suggesting the Liverpool icon should consider stepping down. Similarly, pundit Nasser Al-Jedaie criticized Gerrard’s leadership, questioning the purpose and direction of his project at Al-Ettifaq. “Gerrard served Al-Ettifaq off the field, but there are no results in terms of technical work. What exactly is the project Gerrard is leading?” Al-Jedaie remarked, highlighting the growing frustration among the fanbase and pundits alike.
Gerrard’s tactical choices have also raised eyebrows. His team selection in their recent defeat was particularly puzzling, as he opted to keep former Lyon striker Moussa Dembele on the bench. This decision left many fans and analysts baffled, with some questioning if Gerrard’s strategy is cohesive enough to pull the club out of its current struggles. Dembele, a seasoned forward with a strong track record, could have provided the attacking edge Al-Ettifaq needed, making his absence from the starting lineup all the more perplexing.
As the pressure mounts, Gerrard is tasked with proving he can steer Al-Ettifaq in the right direction. His journey in Saudi Arabia was expected to be a fresh chapter in his managerial career, yet he now finds himself at a crossroads. With relegation fears growing and critics questioning his leadership, Gerrard’s next moves will be crucial. If Al-Ettifaq is to avoid slipping further down the standings, Gerrard will need to not only rethink his tactical approach but also restore confidence among fans, players, and the club’s hierarchy.