Steven Gerrard booed and told to leave by Al-Ettifaq fans as defeat leaves Liverpool legend under pressure
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Steven Gerrard's tenure as Al-Ettifaq manager has hit a new low following a 2-0 home defeat to Al-Qadsiah on Saturday.
The loss, their fourth in six matches across all competitions, has left the Saudi Pro League side languishing in 11th place.
Fans expressed their frustration by booing Gerrard off the pitch and calling for his resignation.
The former Liverpool midfielder, who joined the club in July 2023, is now under mounting pressure to turn things around.
Despite applauding the supporters after the final whistle, Gerrard was met with jeers and chants urging him to "get out".
In response to the defeat, Gerrard took full responsibility for the team's performance.
Steven Gerrard has come under immense pressure at Al-Ettifaq
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He stated, "I spoke to the players. If we had performed like this before, we would not have put ourselves in this embarrassing situation, but I bear the responsibility."
The manager specifically addressed his decision to field an inexperienced young player in defence, acknowledging it was "not appropriate" but necessitated by injuries.
Gerrard added, "I bear full responsibility for using a young player in defence, as he has little experience."
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Despite the setback, he expressed his commitment to continue fighting and working to improve recent results.
Gerrard's position at Al-Ettifaq is under scrutiny despite his reported £15.2 million annual salary.
The club's hierarchy is said to be reviewing the situation, with a decision on his future expected within the next week.
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This comes just months after Gerrard signed a contract extension in January, keeping him at the club until 2027.
The former England international's tenure has been disappointing, winning only 17 of his 46 games in charge.
With the team's recent poor form and fan discontent, speculation is growing about a potential managerial change at the Saudi club.
Al-Ettifaq fans booed Steven Gerrard as he made his way over to applaud them
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Amid speculation about Gerrard's future at Al-Ettifaq, reports suggest he could make a swift return to management if sacked.
The former England international has been linked with a potential return to Rangers, where he previously led the club to a league title.
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Steven Gerrard was booed by Al-Ettifaq fans as his side suffered their 4th loss in 6 games they're 11th in the league too 😱 pic.twitter.com/45b0zb1EDX
— Football Hub (@FootbalIhub) November 3, 2024
Current Rangers boss Philippe Clement is facing increasing pressure, with the team sitting 14 points behind Celtic after just 10 games.
Gerrard's successful stint at Ibrox, which saw him deliver Rangers' first Scottish Premiership title in a decade, has made him a favourite among bookmakers to replace Clement should the opportunity arise.
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