Steven Gerrard delivered a firm message this week, expressing his commitment to staying on as manager of Saudi Pro League team Al-Ettifaq, despite growing calls for his resignation.

Now 16 months into his £15.2 million-a-year contract, Gerrard led Al-Ettifaq to a respectable sixth-place finish in the Saudi Pro League last season. However, this season has been tougher, with the club now in 10th place and winless in the league since September 14.

The team’s struggles culminated in a 3-1 defeat to lower-league Al-Jabalain on Wednesday, knocking them out of the King Cup at the last-16 stage.

At a Friday press conference, Gerrard dismissed claims he scheduled training sessions around Liverpool matches, instead emphasizing his dedication to Al-Ettifaq.

“My main importance is this job and trying to make this club the best it can be, on and off the field,” Gerrard stated. “I am all in and I will continue to be all in.”

Supporting Gerrard’s commitment, his family relocated to the Middle East following his acceptance of the Al-Ettifaq role.

Instead of living near his job in Dammam, they chose to reside in Bahrain. With its capital just an hour’s drive from Dammam, the move allows Gerrard to commute conveniently.

Bahrain also offers more relaxed laws compared to Saudi Arabia, where alcohol is banned and cultural restrictions are stricter—a point of tension for some WAGs, who have reported facing criticism over their attire.