Steven Gerrard's Al-Ettifaq make dream start to season but former Liverpool star could ruin it
Steven Gerrard has got off to the perfect start in his second season in charge of Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq, winning all three of his opening league matches.
Al-Ettifaq began their campaign with a 1-0 win away at Al-Shabab, which they have since followed up with a 1-0 victory over Al-Akhdoud and 2-1 triumph versus Al-Fateh. As a result, they sit second in the division and are level on points with leaders Al-Hilal.
Starting all three games so far has been former Liverpool midfielder Gini Wijnaldum, now in his second season at the club, after leaving AS Roma.
This promising start has been much-needed for Gerrard after a disappointing first year in charge, which saw Al-Ettifaq finish sixth in the league and 38 points adrift of eventual title winners Al-Hilal.
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One particularly testing run occurred between the period of September and December after winning just once in 13 outings across all competitions, leaving them only eight points above the relegation zone.
Pressure was beginning to mount on the Liverpool great at this stage, resulting in the 44-year-old coming out with fighting talk as he looked to steady the ship. "I am the first to hold responsibility and I will not blame anyone," he commented in December. "Al Kuwaykibi came on as a substitute against Al-Nassr and performed well, which is why he deserved the opportunity to start.
"I know our financial capacity well and we have the opportunity to make signings that will improve the team. You can find players in other teams who scored 13 goals. We have Moussa who scored eight, Gini scored six and the rest either scored one or two goals."
Things are now looking up for Al-Ettifaq, however, as they aim to improve on their 2023/24 performance this term. Their first true test of the campaign will come next Friday when hosting Al-Nassr, who boast the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and former Liverpool star Sadio Mane in their ranks. Gerrard will be hoping Mane and Co. don't ruin his side's perfect start to the season and that he can keep the run going.