Steven Gerrard has expressed his determination to continue his role as the manager of Al-Ettifaq in the Saudi Pro League, despite facing calls for his resignation.
Having already spent 16 months in charge, Gerrard’s annual salary of £15.2 million highlights the commitment he has made to the club. Last season, he guided Al-Ettifaq to a respectable sixth-place finish in the Saudi Pro League.
The Daily Mail is reporting that team’s current performance is a cause for concern, as they currently find themselves in 10th place. Their struggles have been highlighted by their failure to secure a league victory since September 14th. The situation worsened on Wednesday when they suffered a 3-1 defeat to Al-Jabalain, a team from a lower league, resulting in their elimination from the King Cup at the last-16 stage.
At a press conference on Friday, Gerrard hit back at claims he scheduled training sessions around Liverpool matches and vowed to continue working to deliver success at the Saudi Pro League club.
‘My main importance is this job and trying to make this club in the best possible way on and off the field,’ Gerrard said. ‘I am all in and I will continue to be all in.’
Bahrain’s capital can be reached within an hour’s drive from Dammam, making it convenient for the former Liverpool star to commute to work.
The country has more lenient regulations compared to Saudi Arabia, where the consumption of alcohol is prohibited. Some WAGS have expressed their dissatisfaction with the cultural restrictions imposed on them and the abuse they face due to their attire.
Several individuals have reported being denied entry to shops and malls for exposing their arms, legs, or chest.
In contrast, Gerrard’s wife Alex Curran is said to be living a “dream life” in their £10k-per-month mansion located in Hamala, Bahrain.
The family resides in a luxurious six-bedroom villa situated in the esteemed Hamala area of the city, close to members of Bahrain’s royal family and other influential figures in the country.
The property, costing approximately £10,000 per month, boasts its own swimming pool, tennis court, and games room. It is nestled within a gated compound for added security.
The family have been able to enjoy Bahrain’s lavish malls, restaurants and bars which have earned it the reputation of being the party capital of the Gulf region.
The Daily Mail adds that as part of his contract, Gerrard and his family have also been given free membership of the country’s two most exclusive health clubs which are based at the luxurious Four Seasons Hotel and the Ritz Carlton Hotel.
The couple, who married in 2007, share three girls and a boy; Lilly Ella, 20; Lexie, 17; Lourdes, 12 and Lio, 7.
They are enrolled at Bahrain’s most exclusive English language school, which is in the world’s top 100 and where fees are almost £11,000 per year each.
The Gerrards are regular visitors to the Ritz’s open-air bar, located close to its private beach, where Premier League games are shown on giant screens.
They have also been seen at Bahrain Rugby Club, an exclusive expat hangout which is made up of pristine sports pitches.
The club has a large sports bar where the former Liverpool legend has reportedly enjoyed a pint and chats with the locals.
For Alex, one of her favourite destinations is Manama’s World Trade Centre which houses over 80 luxury fashion labels – including Gucci, Louis Vuitton and Versace.
‘I meet Mr Hatim after every game and we talk football, where it is a win, loss or draw, we have fantastic support, myself, the staff and the players from the management team.
‘We did meet yesterday but we meet after every single game.
He added: ‘I want to make it abundantly clear my priority is Ettifaq, I have a contract with Ettifaq and I am in a real privileged position.
‘I respect all my previous clubs, Liverpool, Aston Villa, Rangers and LA Galaxy, but my main importance is this job and trying to make this club in the best possible way on and off the field.
‘I am all in and I will continue to be all in.’
