Steven Gerrard is under mounting pressure at Al-Ettifaq following an abysmal run of form, and fans are not happy with the Liverpool icon.
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Gerrard booed off by fans after defeatAl-Ettifaq continue poor run of formLiverpool legend takes full responsibilityFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Following a chastening 2-0 defeat to Al-Qadsiah on Friday, large sections of the Al-Ettifaq fan base could be heard hurtling insults at Gerrard, with some heard to say "get out", clearly losing patience with their side's poor form.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Gerrard, who has been in charge at Al-Ettifaq for just over a year and is reportedly earning a salary in excess of £12m, guided his side to a solid sixth-place finish last season after good results towards the end of the season.
However, this term has not gone to plan, as after nine games of the Saudi Pro League season, Gerrard's Al-Ettifaq lie in 11th, a long way off the quality they displayed at times last season. While his side may not have the same financial pull as their rivals, their squad still contains quality, including fellow Liverpool favourite Georginio Wijnaldum and ex-Ligue 1 striker Moussa Dembele.
Getty Images SportWHAT GERRARD SAID
After Friday's defeat, Gerrard said: "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. I bear full responsibility for using a young player (Meshal Sibyani), as he has little experience. Using him was not appropriate, but due to injuries, we were put in this position.
"On the back of recent results in my position, you are always aware of disappointment from fans, I have to take that responsibility on my shoulders. This is what I will do and continue to fight and work to improve the recent results."
WHAT NEXT FOR GERRARD & AL-ETTIFAQ?
Gerrard and Al-Ettifaq will need to dust themselves down quickly, as their next game against Al-Hilal, who currently sit top of the table, kicks off on Friday evening.