Steven Gerrard breaks silence on sacking of key Al-Ettifaq staff – as Liverpool legend reveals hope of Michael Beale impact on his struggling side
Steven Gerrard has opened up about Al-Ettifaq’s decision to sack two members of his support staff, but admits his side must improve.
The Liverpool legend has faced calls for his dismissal as manager after a poor run of form this season.
Al-Ettifaq were 12th in the 18-team Saudi Pro League heading into the international break, raising further doubts over Gerrard’s future.
The club ultimately kept faith with Gerrard but announced the departures of assistant coach Dean Holden and sporting director Mark Allen.
Al-Ettifaq’s board had acknowledged ‘unsatisfactory results’ in a statement confirming their departures, adding it remained ‘optimistic that better results are on the horizon.’
It was announced last week that former Sunderland, QPR and Rangers manager Michael Beale would be joining the club as Gerrard’s new assistant.
Steven Gerrard admits Al-Ettifaq must improve following changes to his coaching staff
Gerrard has been reunited with his former Rangers and Aston Villa assistant Michael Beale
Beale had previously worked as Gerrard’s assistant at Rangers in 2018 and was widely hailed for his role in helping the Scottish giants to win their first league title in 10 years.
The 44-year-old followed the Liverpool legend to Aston Villa in November 2021, before he went out on his own to take over QPR as manager in June 2022
His move was a major blow to Gerrard, who was sacked by the Villans four months later.
Gerrard has now addressed the changes to his coaching staff at Al-Ettifaq, expressing his hope that Beale can help have a positive impact on the club’s fortunes.
‘The club made decisions regarding the departure of Mark Allen and Dean Holden,’ Gerrard said at a press conference.
‘The decision was also made to bring Michael Beale in who is a super coach, we spent years together previously and it’s great to have him back with me.
‘I did not want to lose Michael when I was at Aston Villa and when he left it was a blow to me.
‘If he had been available when I negotiated to come to Al-Ettifaq, he would have been my assistant at the club.
‘Now we need some time to develop and improve.’
Al-Ettifaq currently lie 12th in the Saudi Pro League after an underwhelming start to the season
Gerrard’s comments followed Al-Ettifaq playing out a goalless draw with Al-Riyadh, a result that keeps his side 12th in the table with 12 points from 11 matches.
Al-Ettifaq are five points clear of the relegation zone in the Saudi Pro League.
The club’s underwhelming results had led to Gerrard being booed by a significant section of the home fanbase after Al-Ettifaq were beaten by Al-Qadsiah earlier this month.
Supporters had urged the Liverpool legend to ‘get out’ following the result, which came after a 3-1 loss to lower league outfit Al-Jabalain in the King’s Cup last-16.
Gerrard is 16 months into his £15.2m-a-year contract at Al-Ettifaq and had led the club to sixth place in the Saudi Pro League last season.
