'I didn't expect it' – Steven Gerrard breaks silence on Al-Ettifaq exit departure defeat

Steven Gerrard is battling to support his Saudi Pro League broadside Al-Ettifaq successful the apical formation amidst a gruelling season, which has not been helped by the exit of midfielder Seko Fofana

Steven Gerrard has yet breached his soundlessness connected the departure of Al-Ettifaq’s prima subordinate aft the broadside suffered yet different defeat, saying: “I didn’t expect it”.

The Liverpool legend, 44, has endured a hard clip since taking complaint of the Saudi Pro League club successful July 2023. After lone mustering up a sixth-place decorativeness in his archetypal season, Al-Ettifaq have not managed to physique immoderate momentum nether the Englishman.

Gerrard’s broadside are presently languishing successful 11th spot aft securing conscionable 4 victories from 14 matches. That means they beryllium 3 points wide of the relegation zone.

The trouble successful keeping Al-Ettifaq afloat has been compounded by the loss of midfielder Seko Fofana astatine the commencement of this year, who returned to France to motion permanently with Rennes aft being connected indebtedness from Al-Nassr.

A nine connection confirmed: "Ettifaq announces the termination of the indebtedness statement of the subordinate Seko Fofana, who was loaned from Al-Nassr FC during the past summertime transportation window, by communal consent betwixt some parties.

"The nine extends its sincere acknowledgment to the subordinate for his clip with the team, wishing him the champion of luck successful his adjacent challenge. Ettifaq besides expresses its gratitude and appreciation of the committee of directors and the executives of Al-Nassr FC for their continued and nonrecreational cooperation."

Gerrard opened up astir the team's issues pursuing Al-Ettifaq's constrictive 3-2 location decision to Al-Kholood connected Friday night, saying: "The team's show was mediocre and it's hard to support anyone, particularly erstwhile we concede 3 goals similar that. [Abdulelah] Almalki couldn't enactment successful the match, yet helium gave it his all. Wijnaldum was sick successful the past 48 hours earlier the game.

"Similarly, Medran suffered a insignificant wounded earlier the lucifer and I anticipation he'll beryllium acceptable for the adjacent game. I chose the champion attacking players, but the effect didn't spell our way. We were stronger successful presumption of squad extent earlier the break, and I don't person an reply regarding signing a caller antiaircraft midfielder.”

He past concisely addressed Fofana’s departure, saying: "I didn't expect Fofana to leave, it happened suddenly."

Fofana’s £17million (€20million) determination to Rennes connected a four-year woody made him the astir costly merchantability successful the past of the Saudi pro League. The Ivory Coast planetary made his debut successful the 3-2 distant decision to Nice past Friday.

Gerrard himself has faced calls for his dismissal arsenic manager aft a continued tally of mediocre form. Two of his staff, adjunct manager Dean Holden and sporting manager Mark Allen, were sacked this season, however, with Al-Ettifaq's committee acknowledging "unsatisfactory results" successful a connection confirming their departures.

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