Steven Gerrard Highlights Confidence Issues Against Big Teams

Steven Gerrard, head coach of Al-Ettifaq, expressed frustration following his team’s 2-1 loss to Al-Ahli in the 16th round of the Saudi Pro League. The English manager criticized his players' performance in the first half, pointing out a noticeable lack of confidence when facing high-profile teams.

"We struggled in the first half, particularly in terms of self-belief. Some of our players seem to lose confidence against the stronger sides in the league," Gerrard remarked during the post-match press conference. "At halftime, we tried to instill confidence and motivate the squad to play with more composure and belief."

Despite the setback, Gerrard acknowledged the improved effort in the second half. He praised the team’s fighting spirit, stating, "The players showed determination until the very end, and that’s something we can build on moving forward."

The defeat comes during a transitional period for Al-Ettifaq, as the team faces significant challenges, including the departure of key players like Seko Fofana and the potential loss of Karl Toko Ekambi. Gerrard expressed optimism about strengthening the squad in the ongoing winter transfer window. "The next 10 days are crucial for us. We need reinforcements to ensure we remain competitive, especially after losing important players," he added.

This loss highlights the importance of mental preparation and resilience when competing against elite teams in the league. As Al-Ettifaq works to rebuild its confidence and refine its strategy, Gerrard remains hopeful about the team’s ability to turn the tide in the coming weeks.