Steven Gerrard's team is in crisis as pressure mounts
- Al-Ettifaq ended a nine-match winless streak with a victory against Al-Khaleej.
- The win brought some relief as the previous losses included a disappointing performance against local rivals.
- Gerrard's wife, Alex, lives in Bahrain, indicating personal challenges amid the team's struggles.
In Saudi Arabia, Steven Gerrard's management of Al-Ettifaq has recently experienced a tumultuous phase. The team faced a significant winless streak that extended over five matches, raising doubts about his ability to lead effectively. The situation worsened after the team suffered several defeats, which led to growing frustration among fans, prompting them to boo the players off the pitch following a disheartening loss to local rivals. The lack of success has put Gerrard's position at risk as pressure to deliver results mounts. On Saturday, December 7, 2024, the team managed to beat Al-Khaleej 2-1, marking their first league victory since mid-September. This win not only provided a much-needed morale boost but also momentarily alleviated some of the pressure surrounding Gerrard. Nevertheless, the issues plaguing the club remain unresolved, as key coaching staff have already been dismissed in a bid to salvage the season. Gerrard's personal life adds another layer of complexity; his wife, Alex, has chosen to remain in neighboring Bahrain rather than live in Saudi Arabia, indicating the challenges families of expatriate coaches and players often face in adjusting to life in this region. The financial allure of Saudi Arabia is substantial for many, but for families, cultural differences can pose significant hurdles. This backdrop sets the stage for Garrard as he works relentlessly to turn around Al-Ettifaq's fortunes, as further poor performances could jeopardize both his career and family stability in the coming months.