Gerrard was a significant acquisition for Al-Ettifaq, which is not among the conventional superpowers of the Saudi Pro League backed by the Public Investment Fund (PIF) of the kingdom. The Dammam-based organization possesses a robust support; yet, the consensus was that recruiting a genuine Premier League star would enhance the club’s stature, hence facilitating the attraction of players and commercial partners—and this was indeed the case.

The substantial financial incentives in Saudi Arabia have undeniably facilitated the influx of international talent; however, it is evident that Gerrard was instrumental in Al-Ettifaq securing the signings of former Liverpool players Jordan Henderson and Gini Wijnaldum, as well as significantly influencing the acquisition of former Fulham, Celtic, and Lyon striker Moussa Dembele.

Of course, this might not have become such an issue if Al-Ettifaq were playing good football and winning games – but they’re not. The results have frequently been as inadequate as the performances.

After a bright start to Gerrard’s tenure – five wins from the opening seven rounds of last season – his team went eight matches without a win before the winter break, which saw them drop to eighth in the SPL standings. As a result, supporters were astonished when Al-Ettifaq prolonged Gerrard’s contract until 2027 in January.

“This is highly gratifying for me and my family and signifies acknowledgment for extensive effort and dedication,” he stated at that time. We needed to establish new infrastructure, including the phased construction of a training facility and a new stadium. However, significant progress has been made.

I acknowledge our current position in the league, although I am really optimistic about our potential for improvement. The [transfer] window is open at the moment and we’re working to try to identify players who could come and support the current group of players, to make us more competitive at the top end of the table.”

Nonetheless, there were no significant arrivals in January, nor during the summer, and following a robust commencement to the current season, Al-Ettifaq’s performance has drastically declined once more.

Gerrard’s team was not anticipated to contend for this season’s Pro League title or secure a top-four finish; nonetheless, their current position of 11th in the rankings is astonishing.Al-Ettifaq has suffered defeats in four of their last six league matches and was eliminated from the King’s Cup in the round of 16 by second-tier Al-Jabalain. 

This prompted a severe backlash, with some fans disparagingly labeling Gerrard as “the English plumber” and a “comedian,” claiming he has rendered the club a “laughing stock.”In that environment, it was quite predictable that his ‘joke’ regarding scheduling training around Liverpool matches would be poorly received by Al-Ettifaq fans, who are understandably feeling somewhat undervalued by one of the highest-paid managers globally.

‘All-in’Gerrard was predictably displeased with the backlash stemming from his remarks, noting that most Saudi clubs conduct training at night because to the severe daytime temperatures, even in winter.”I am cognizant of the origins of this situation,” he stated on the eve of Saturday’s derby against Al-Qadsiah. I participated in a podcast aimed at fundraising for a children’s charity to ensure its sustainability and continuation. I was inquired whether I continued to support Liverpool, to which I said, ‘Certainly, I still follow Liverpool.’ They significantly influenced my development as a player, individual, and coach.However, I wish to emphasize that my primary focus is Ettifaq; I am bound by a contract with Ettifaq and find myself in a very advantageous situation. I hold all my former clubs—Liverpool, Aston Villa, Rangers, and LA Galaxy—in high regard; nevertheless, my primary focus is on this position and enhancing the club’s performance both on and off the field. I am fully committed and will remain so.However, Gerrard’s declaration did little to quell the anger of the fans, and things came to a head the following day, with the manager booed off the field after failing to prevent his side from slumping to a 2-0 loss to their local rivals.

‘Disconcerting circumstance’In the face of vehement demands for his departure from the club, Gerrard adopted a resolute stance in his post-match press conference, asserting that his team merited a more favorable outcome from the match.I conversed with the players. “Had we performed in this manner previously, we would not have found ourselves in this embarrassing predicament,” he asserted. “However, I accept the responsibility.” In light of recent outcomes in my role, I acknowledge the disappointment expressed by fans, and I must accept that responsibility. I will persist in my efforts to enhance the recent outcomes.Gerrard perceived that some of the criticism directed at him was entirely unwarranted and reacted to the mounting backlash by declining to participate in his media obligations prior to Tuesday’s Gulf Club Champions League match against Al-Qadsia.

Fortunately for Gerrard, Al-Ettifaq achieved a victory in Kuwait with a solitary goal from Dembele, granting him a temporary reprieve—albeit likely not a prolonged one.A defeat against the undefeated Pro League leaders Al-Hilal on Friday would position Gerrard precariously as the international break approaches, potentially providing a suitable opportunity for a managerial change if the club deems it essential.Gerrard would have no grounds for protest if he were to be dismissed. His prominent status in the sport has afforded him significantly more time than a lesser-known individual would have received at Al-Ettifaq, despite his inadequate achievements to restore the reputation he once held at Rangers as a promising young manager viewed as a potential successor to Jurgen Klopp at Anfield. Consequently, Gerrard was excluded from consideration as a successor to the German at Liverpool or for the position of England manager, previously held by Gareth Southgate.Unai Emery has compromised his tenure at Aston Villa by guiding the team back into the Champions League, while his experience in Saudi Arabia has descended into farce, alleviating worries of training sessions overlapping with Liverpool matches.This is a significant concern for Gerrard, who now confronts the imminent risk of losing his post and any residual credibility as a coach.