Steven Gerrard issued a strong statement this week, affirming his commitment to remain as manager of Saudi Pro League club Al-Ettifaq, despite mounting pressure for his resignation.

Sixteen months into his £15.2 million-a-year contract, Gerrard guided Al-Ettifaq to a respectable sixth-place finish last season.

This year, however, has proven more challenging; the team currently sits in 10th place and hasn’t recorded a league win since September 14. Their struggles continued with a 3-1 loss to lower-division Al-Jabalain on Wednesday, eliminating them from the King Cup in the last 16.

In a Friday press conference, Gerrard dismissed claims that he planned training around Liverpool matches, reaffirming his focus on Al-Ettifaq.

“My main priority is this job and improving this club on and off the field,” Gerrard stated. “I am fully committed and will remain so.”

To support Gerrard’s dedication, his family relocated to the Middle East after he took on the Al-Ettifaq role. Rather than living near Dammam, they opted to settle in Bahrain, just an hour’s drive away, enabling Gerrard to commute easily.

Bahrain also offers a more relaxed environment compared to Saudi Arabia, where alcohol is prohibited, and stricter cultural restrictions sometimes pose challenges, particularly for WAGs who have reported facing criticism over their attire.