Defiant Steven Gerrard has reportedly told Al-Ettifaq he will fight on despite a massive clearout of his backroom staff.
The news comes with speculation escalating that Rangers boss Philippe Clement could be considered for the Belgium job if under-fire Domenico Tedesco is shown the door. It has been a tough campaign for Liverpool legend Gerrard in the Saudi Pro League with Ettifaq languishing in 12th spot going into the international break with just one win in their last five games in all competitions.
The Englishman reportedly held crunch talks with the board in the Middle East as the former Light Blues and Aston Villa gaffer fought for his future. Former Rangers sporting director Mark Allen - who held the same role at Ettifaq - was shown the door following the crisis summit along with Gerrard's assistant Dean Holden, but Gerrard reportedly remains determined to turn the club's fortunes around when they resume league action against Al-Riyadh.
Saudi outlet Asharq Al-Awsat report that Gerrard "is determined to succeed with the Saudi club, and is not thinking of leaving in the near future or in the long term". It is claimed he has told the club higher-ups he wants to "win titles and set standards for the future of the team".
It is claimed that Gerrard "did not object" to the departure of Allen and Holden but accepts that he "bears full responsibility for the decline in results" this term. That could see one potential successor to Clement removed instantly from the running.
Following Belgium's shock defeat to Israel in the Nations League calls have ramped up for Tedesco to be axed. With Clement's former Club Brugge chief executive and mentor Vincent Mannaert currently working as Belgian FA sports director reports have
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