Steven Gerrard makes clear who is to blame for Ettifaq crisis as 'expected' sack decision escalates Rangers return swirl

Defiant Steven Gerrard insists that the blame for Al-Ettifaq's slump in form falls to him - with reports in Saudi suggesting a decision on his future is "expected" from the board.

The under-fire boss saw his side slump to a 2-0 defeat against Al Qadsiah just days after the calamitous King's Cup defeat to second-tier Al-Jabalain - with the the struggling side winning just one of their last seven games to tumble down to 11th spot in the Saudi Pro League. Follow the defeat in Dammam, the fans made their feelings on the future of the boss clear with loud boos ringing out at the EGO Stadium.

Saudi outlet Al-Youm that the club's management are now considering a change in management but are "expected to make a final decision this week" amid the slump in form. It is claimed that the club have heard the angry reaction from fans but could still "renew confidence" in the boss despite recent results. Following the full-time whistle, Gerrard defended the "project" at Ettifaq while shouldering the criticism thrown at his team.

Speaking after the full-time whistle, Gerrard said: "I spoke to the players. If we had performed like this before, we would not have put ourselves in this embarrassing situation, but I bear the responsibility.

"We conceded the first goal from a set piece. Previously, we used to defend better from set pieces. The second goal was scored by a young player, and he made the same mistake he made against Al-Fayha. The player is young, and I bear responsibility for the second goal.

"I bear full responsibility for using a young player in defence, as he has little experience. His recruitment was to prepare him for development and the future, and using him was not appropriate, but due to injuries, we were put in this