Liverpool legend booed by own fans as Saudi Pro League struggles continue

11/03/2024 09:41 AM

Steven Gerrard was booed by Al Ettifaq fans after defeat to Al Qadsiah in the Saudi Pro League on Saturday, with the Liverpool legend under increasing pressure.

It is now six league games without a win for Al Ettifaq after a 2-0 home defeat this weekend left them 11th in the table.

Supporters made their feelings clear as the former England midfielder came onto the pitch after the game and was met by loud boos from the stands.

Gerrard addressed being under pressure after poor results ahead of the latest defeat, although dismissed rumours that a recent meeting with Hatim Al Misehal, Al-Ettifaq’s head of football, was to discuss his future.

‘On the back of recent results in my position you are always aware of disappointment from fans, I have to take that responsibility on my shoulders,’ he told a pre-match press conference.

'That is what I will do and continue to fight and work to improve the recent results.

‘I don't react, change or get overconcerned about social media or anyone on the outside of Ettifaq's opinion, my priority is this club. I listen to the people within and continue to support my players.

‘I meet Mr Hatem after every game and we talk football, where it is a win, loss or draw, we have fantastic support, myself, the staff and the players from the management team.

‘We did meet yesterday but we meet after every single game.’

Gerrard didn’t help to endear himself to the Al Ettifaq fans when he said he has been organising training sessions at times to allow him to watch Liverpool games.

‘John [Achterberg, goalkeeping coach] and I have got more than one eye on it. We put all our schedule around the Liverpool games,’ he told The Redmen TV.

‘The players are onto me now; we've been training at 9 or 10 at night.’

However, he has since rowed back on that claim, saying: 'I am aware of where it came from, I was on a podcast trying to raise money for a children's charity to make the charity survive and continue.

'I was asked if I still followed Liverpool and I said "of course I still follow Liverpool", they played a huge part of my life and shaped me as a player, person and coach I am today.

'I want to make it abundantly clear my priority is Ettifaq, I have a contract with Ettifaq and I am in a real privileged position.

'I respect all my previous clubs, Liverpool, Aston Villa, Rangers and LA Galaxy, but my main importance is this job and trying to make this club in the best possible way on and off the field.

'I am all in and I will continue to be all in.'