Steven Gerrard under increasing pressure during Al-Ettifaq's winless streak

In Saudi Arabia, Steven Gerrard's Al-Ettifaq faced a significant setback following a 4-0 defeat to Al-Ittihad. This loss marked the team's ninth consecutive game without a win, placing them precariously in 13th position in the league, just three points above the relegation zone. Al-Ettifaq has experienced six league defeats in recent matches, intensifying scrutiny on Gerrard's capabilities as head coach, a role he has held since July 2023. During a press conference after the loss, Gerrard addressed the sacking of his assistant coach, Dean Holden, while declining to delve into specific details regarding the club's decision-making processes. He highlighted that such decisions ultimately belong to the board of directors. This follows a string of disappointing results, including an earlier defeat that led to Holden's and former executive sporting director Mark Allen's dismissal. In a bid to rejuvenate the squad, Michael Beale has stepped in as the new assistant coach, and Gerrard expressed optimism about their past working relationship. Moreover, the situation has become increasingly dire for Gerrard, who is now under immense pressure to turn the team's fortunes around. With the recent performances clearly not meeting expectations, the Al-Ettifaq management's patience may wear thin if results do not improve in the upcoming matches. A critical confrontation against Al-Khaleej, positioned seventh in the table, is on the horizon, emphasizing the urgency for Gerrard to secure a much-needed victory to stabilize his position as head coach. The current plight of Al-Ettifaq is indicative of the challenges faced by Gerrard in his managerial role, especially within a competitive league. It underscores the delicate balance between management decisions, player performance, and fan expectations in professional sports, where results are an unforgiving measure of success.