Al-Ettifaq sack Steven Gerrard’s assistant and ex-EFL manager but Liverpool legend clings to job after showdown talks

AL-ETTIFAQ have announced two major departures – but under-fire manager Stephen Gerrard is set to keep his job.

Sporting director Mark Allen and assistant manager Dean Holden have been sacked by club officials.

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Steven Gerrard will keep his job at Al-Ettifaq – for now[/caption]

Alamy

Ex-Charlton boss Dean Holden, who was Gerrard’s assistant, has been sacked[/caption]

A statement from Al-Ettifaq read: “The board of Ettifaq, led by Mr. Samer Almisehal, has approved the recommendations of the football committee, which are as follows: Mark Allen to leave his position as executive sporting director by mutual agreement.

“Dean Holden to leave his position as assistant manager by mutual agreement.

“The chairman, Mr Sameer Almisehal, reaffirmed that the board is fully committed to supporting the technical staff and players in their efforts to improve the club’s position in the league and to secure a top spot in the Gulf Champions League.

“He also expressed his apologies to Ettifaq fans for the disappointing exit from the King Cup.

“The board and everyone at the club deeply appreciate the unwavering support of Ettifaq fans despite recent unsatisfactory results. We remain optimistic that better results are on the horizon.”

Al-Ettifaq currently sit 12th in the Saudi Pro League with just 11 points from 10 games.

First team manager Gerrard, who was appointed in July 2023, has come under fire in recent weeks as a result.

He was booed by his own fans after losing 2-0 to local rivals Al Qadsiah earlier this month.

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And the England icon didn’t do himself any favours by admitting he schedules Al-Ettifaq training around Liverpool games.

Despite his run of poor form, club chiefs have decided against sacking him.

Instead, Allen and Holden were asked to leave.

Before joining Al-Ettifaq in 2023, Allen was sporting director at Swansea City.

He was promoted in 2021 after spending eight months as the club’s academy manager.

The 61-year-old has also worked at Rangers and Manchester City.

Meanwhile, Holden was manager of Charlton before making the switch to Al-Ettifaq earlier this year.

The 45-year-old has also spent time with Oldham, Bristol and Stoke.