Steven Gerrard Struggling To Make an Impact With Over Two Months Without A Win As He Signals A Busy January in the Hunt for Potent Attackers
After an impressive reign at Rangers, former Liverpool Captain Steven Gerrard was considered the heir apparent to the Liverpool gaffer job. Gerrard had an impressive playing career with 504 PL appearances, 120 goals, and 92 assists. He also managed nine trophies at the Merseyside club, with the UEFA Champions League his crowning achievement.
As a manager, however, his story has been different. After a promising start at Rangers, where he lifted the Scottish Premiership title while ending the season unbeaten, he moved to Aston Villa, where he would struggle and part with the club, leaving them at 16th (his replacement, Unai Emery, now has them in 2nd), 2 places above the relegation zone. A year later, he joined his current club, Al Ettifaq.
While Al Ettifaq is not among the PIF-supported clubs, the club supported him in the transfer market, securing the services of top players such as Moussa Dembele, Demarai Gray, Vitinho, Georginio Wijnaldum, and Jordan Henderson. However, they have not been enough, with Al Ettifaq having gone nine matches without a win. During that time, they’ve only managed 3 goals.
Gerrard cited the lack of resources in his last press conference, noting, “I know our financial capacity well, and we have the opportunity to make signings that will improve the team.” He seems to be hinting at the club getting busy in the January window, especially in signing attackers, noting, “You can find players in other teams who scored 13 goals. We have Moussa who scored 8, Gini scored 6, and the rest either scored one or two goals”.
It remains to be seen whether the club will back him in the January window and sanction moves for players to help Al Ettifaq climb up the league table from the current 8th position. However, with Steven Gerrard struggling against teams like Al Hazem (bottom in the SPL), the decision-makers at the club will no doubt be asking questions about whether he’s the right man for the long term.
