Liverpool hero 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 assistant manager.

The surprise dismissals 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, and agreed to a mutual termination of their contracts. This marks yet another chapter in Gerrard's journey to the Middle East, with Ettifaq 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 just a draw against Al Riyadh on Sunday, extending their drought to eight games since a 2-0 cup win over Al-Adalah in September. The team's subsequent exit from the competition by 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 another partnership between the two, the Liverpool Echo reports.

“The club has made decisions regarding the departures of Mark Allen and Dean Holden,” Gerrard said. “The decision was also made to bring in Michael Beale, a super coach. We have spent years together before and it is great to have him back with me. Now we need some time to develop and improve.”

With a brutal schedule ahead, the ex-Liverpool captain knows there is no rest for the weary as his side prepare to welcome top-ranked Al Ittihad next Saturday. Gerrard's Ettifaq sit precariously in twelfth place and are just five points away from relegation danger, yet ten points behind the coveted places in the AFC Champions League, currently held by Cristiano Ronaldo's third-placed Al Nassr.

It promises to be a crucial clash for Gerrard, who will no doubt be keen for his players to halt the impressive run of Al Ittihad, a team whose only defeat since September came at the hands of their arch-rivals Al Hilal.