Steven Gerrard has been coming under pressure in his role as head coach of Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Ettifaq in recent weeks and the club hierarchy have now made big changes
Steven Gerrard has been handed a reprieve by Al-Ettifaq – but two members of his support staff have been axed.
The Liverpool legend, 44, was part of the influx of big names that headed to the Saudi Pro League last summer, but Gerrard has been unable to kickstart his managerial career in the Middle East following a torrid stint at Aston Villa.
Al-Ettifaq haven’t won in the league since September 14 and have taken just one point from their past seven games. Tellingly, fans seemed to turn on Gerrard following their recent derby loss against Al-Qadsiah.
That run led to crisis talks with the club’s powerbrokers over the international break – and while Gerrard has seemingly survived for now, his assistant, Dean Holden, and Mark Allen, the club’s sporting director, have both been sacked.
The changes were confirmed in a club statement which read: “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. 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.
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“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.”
Holden only moved out to the Middle East to join Gerrard earlier this year. The 65-year-old was previously the manager of Charlton Athletic but was harshly sacked by the League One outfit last August.
Despite Al-Ettifaq’s current poor form, which has left them 12th in the league, Gerrard remains convinced that the tide will turn, saying recently: “We must bear responsibility, and continue to correct mistakes. I am aware of the team’s poor past results, and I do not think I have reached the stage of dismissal from team management.”
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