Steven Gerrard to leave Al Ettifaq after 18 months in Saudi Arabia

Steven Gerrard has left his role with Al Ettifaq after 18 months, according to multiple reports.

The Liverpool legend opted to continue his managerial career in the Middle East but has struggled throughout and asked to depart his role at the club due to 'poor performances'. There's no official word from Al Ettifaq but Gerrard's exit is being finalised, according to the Telegraph.

The club are currently 12th in the table and five points above the relegation zone despite having captain Gini Wijnaldum as well as striker Moussa Dembele and Demarai Gray in their ranks. Gerrard reportedly wanted to leave last summer but was convinced to stay by club chiefs, but results have still not improved.

Gerrard cut a frustrated figure when he faced the media most recently, shouldering the blame for their failings despite praising the foundation he's been provided, reports Al Youm. Since returning from the winter break the club lost to Al-Kholood, Al-Ahli Saudi and drew with second-from-bottom Al-Wehda.

During what could be his final press conference, a frustrated Gerrard said: "I am not satisfied with the players' performance and level. I see the draw as losing two important points. I take responsibility for the result of the match, including missed opportunities and the drop in performance.

"The management of Ettifaq club has provided everything the team needs in terms of support and transfers. Injuries and the absence of key players have negatively affected performance."

Gerrard has won less than 40 percent of his matches since taking his managerial career to Saudi Arabia. The ex-Red has endured several setbacks throughout his tenure with the high profile signing of Jordan Henderson massively backfiring.

The club's hierarchy have made changes to assist Gerrard as No. 2 Dean Holden with former Ibrox sporting director Mark Allen shown the door before Michael Beale, who was Gerrard's assistant at Rangers, jetting out to the Middle East to work alongside him once again.

Gerrard did dig a hole for himself last year when he claimed he was gearing training times around Liverpool's fixture list so that he could continue to watch his former side, before insisting his focus was on matters in Saudi.

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