Steven Gerrard speaks out on leftfield decision after Al-Ettifaq sacking

Liverpool legend and Al-Ettifaq manager Steven Gerrard says his club needs time to develop and improve after Michael Beale was appointed as assistant manager.

The surprise dismissal of Mark Allen and Dean Holden paved the way for Beale's reunion with Gerrard in Saudi Arabia. Al-Ettifaq confirmed earlier this month that they parted ways with executive sporting director Allen and assistant manager Holden, agreeing to a mutual termination of their contracts.This marks yet another chapter in Gerrard's Middle Eastern journey, with Ettifaq getting knocked out of the King Cup and struggling to secure a spot in the AFC Champions League. Ettifaq's winless run continued as they managed only a draw against Al Riyadh on Sunday, stretching their drought to eight games since a 2-0 cup victory over Al-Adalah in September. The team's subsequent exit from the competition at the hands of Al Jabalain led to a shake-up in management. Beale, Gerrard's trusted colleague from his spells at Rangers and Aston Villa, stepped into the role last week, marking yet another collaboration between the two, reports the Liverpool Echo.

"The club made decisions regarding the departure of Mark Allen and Dean Holden," Gerrard said. "The decision was also made to bring Michael Beale in who is a super coach, we spent years together previously and it's great to have him back with me. Now we need some time to develop and improve."

With a relentless schedule ahead, the ex-Liverpool skipper knows there's no rest for the weary as his squad prepares to welcome top-of-the-table Al Ittihad this Saturday. Sitting precariously in 12th place, Gerrard's Ettifaq is just five points clear of relegation danger yet a whole ten points adrift from the coveted AFC Champions League spots, currently held by Cristiano Ronaldo's third-placed Al Nassr.

It's set to be a crunch clash for Gerrard, who is undoubtedly keen for his players to halt the impressive run of Al Ittihad, a team whose sole defeat since September was delivered by their arch-rivals Al Hilal.