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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
Ewan Paton

Ex-Rangers boss Steven Gerrard's job 'in the balance'

Steven Gerrard's job at Al-Ettifaq is hanging by the balance, according to a report.

The former Rangers manager is said to be in a bit of bother at the Saudi Pro League side.

The Liverpool and England legend made the return to the dugout in the summer, as he was one of several high-profile football stars to make the venture to the Middle East.

While most of the big names are still performing well on the pitch in Saudi, such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Ruben Neves and Sadio Mane, Gerrard has struggled.

Ettifaq have gone nine matches without a win and currently sit eighth in the Pro League - a whopping 28 points behind leader Al-Hilal. 

In those nine games, Gerrard's side have scored just three goals. The run is part of a broader picture that has seen Ettifaq manage just two wins from 19 games as part of their 25 points amassed so far this season.

The Pro League is now on a six-week winter break while the Asian Cup takes place. 

And while Gerrard has demanded a lot of changes during that time, namely with transfers in and out of the club, The Guardian reports that his time at Ettifaw is hanging in the balance.

Their report states that the 43-year-old is under mounting pressure from supporters, however, his status within the game should see him earn more time.

Gerrard signed the likes of Jordan Henderson, Georginio Wijnaldum and ex-Celtic stars Jack Hendry and Moussa Dembele in the summer.

Speaking last week, Gerrard said: "We have already had important meetings at Al Ettifaq in terms of mid-season updates and where every individual is, and where the group is at.

"The message, in summary, that we have sent is that we need to be aggressive, we need to be ruthless, and we need to make a lot of changes to make this team more competitive.

"We are really happy with a lot of individuals, both foreign and some local players."

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