- Al-Ettifaq suffered a 3-2 loss to Al Kholood, leaving them stuck in 11th place
- Steven Gerrard hit out at his team's display as their relegation fears grew.
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Steven Gerrard moved closer to the brink in Saudi Arabia after Al-Ettifaq's latest defeat left them teetering above the Pro League relegation zone.
A narrow 3-2 home defeat to Al-Kholood leaves Gerrard's side in 11th place and just three points clear of the relegation zone, having won just four of their 14 games.
Gerrard has endured a difficult time since taking charge of the club in July 2023 and after achieving a sixth-place finish in his first season, Al-Ettifaq appears to have taken a step back this year, piling pressure on his head coach.
Indeed, Gerrard has faced growing calls for his sacking after a run of poor form.
His assistant coach Dean Holden and sporting director Mark Allen were sacked earlier this season after the club's board of directors acknowledged “unsatisfactory results”.
Gerrard was spared the same fate after meeting with the hierarchy, but Friday's setback against Al-Kholood saw him suffer another blow.
Steven Gerrard took another blow in Saudi Arabia after Al-Ettifaq's latest defeat
Gerrard's team is 11th in the Saudi Pro League and is just three points clear of the relegation zone
He is under pressure to save his season after facing calls for his dismissal last year.
“The team's performance was poor and it's difficult to defend anyone, especially when we concede three goals like that,” Gerrard said after the game.
The 44-year-old is believed to be one of the highest-paid managers in world football and earns approximately £15million a year in the Gulf state.
His lucrative contract is currently valid until 2027.
Gerrard was booed by his own supporters after a 2-0 defeat to local rivals Al Qadisiya last November, with many heard shouting “get out”.
Last week they suffered another blow after losing one of their key players, midfielder Seko Fofana, who left for Ligue 1 side Rennes on a permanent deal.
Fofana had joined Al-Ettifaq on loan from rival Al-Nassr midway through last season.
A club statement released read: “Ettifaq announces the termination of the loan contract of the player Seko Fofana, who was loaned by Al-Nassr FC during the last summer transfer window, by mutual agreement between both parties.
'The club extends its most sincere gratitude to the player for his time with the team, wishing him the best of luck in his next challenge.
“Ettifaq also expresses his gratitude and appreciation to the board of directors and executives of Al-Nassr FC for their continued and professional cooperation.”
Gerrard said: “I didn't expect Fofana to leave, it happened suddenly.”