1 week Ago By [email protected] (Kieran King)
Steven Gerrard's Al-Ettifaq have endured a difficult start to the Saudi Pro League season Steven Gerrard is set to remain in charge of Al-Ettifaq despite his side's poor start to the season . The Dammam-based club have won just three of their first 10 Saudi Pro League fixtures and sit 12th in the table ahead of the international break, just four points above the drop zone. They have also won just one of their last five matches across all competitions.
As a result of their poor run of form, supporters have started to turn on the former England international. Following a recent 2-0 league defeat to Al-Qadsia, a large number of fans made their feelings clear by shouting 'get out' in the direction of the Kop icon. However, despite the pressure mounting on Gerrard, the club appears to be standing by him, but the same can't be said for sporting director Mark Allen and assistant manager Dean Holden, who have both left the club by mutual agreement.
"The board of Ettifaq, led by Mr. Samer Almisehal, has approved the recommendations of the football committee, which are as follows: Mark Allen to leave his position as executive sporting director by mutual agreement," a statement from the club read. "Dean Holden to leave his position as assistant manager by mutual agreement.
"The chairman, Mr Sameer Almisehal, reaffirmed that the board is fully committed to supporting the technical staff and players in their efforts to improve the club's position in the league and to secure a top spot in the Gulf Champions League . "He also expressed his apologies to Ettifaq fans for the disappointing exit from the King Cup. The board and everyone at the club deeply appreciate the unwavering support of Ettifaq fans despite recent unsatisfactory results.
We remain optimistic that better results are on the horizon." Speaking after losing to Al-Hilal on Friday night, Gerrard said: "I don't like to use excuses after a defeat, but we face a lot of pressure in the matches, and we have to take responsibility, and continue to correct the mistake. He added: "I am aware of the team's poor past results, and I do not think that I have reached the stage of dismissal from the team's management.
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