Steven Gerrard issued a defiant message this week that he wants to carry on as manager of Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq, despite calls for his resignation.
Gerrard is 16 months into his £15.2m-a-year contract at Al-Ettifaq, and led the club to sixth place in the Saudi Pro League last season.
But they are down in 10th place this term having failed to register a league win since September 14, and slumped to a new low on Wednesday when they were beaten 3-1 by lower league outfit Al-Jabalain to exit 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.’
Steven Gerrard is under pressure in his Saudi Pro League role but has a life of luxury away from the pitch
Steven Gerrard and wife Alex enjoy a meal out together at Greek restaurant in Saudi Arabia
The Gerrard’s live among Bahrain’s wealthy and elite, enjoying luxury hotels, the finest restaurants and designer clothes stores
Steven and Alex Gerrard life a life of luxury in Bahrain while the Liverpool legend manages Saudi Arabian club Al-Ettifaq FC
Gerrard’s family have also been all-in to supporting his efforts at the club having moved to the Middle East after he accepted the £15.2m-a-year role.
The family had turned down a house near his job in Dammam – where Al-Ettifaq are based – and opted to settle down in Bahrain.
Bahrain’s capital is located just an hours’ drive from Dammam, enabling the former Liverpool star to easily commute to work.
The country has more relaxed laws than Saudi Arabia, where alcohol is banned, and several WAGS have complained of cultural restrictions being placed on them and facing abuse over how they are dressed.
Some claimed that they have even been refused entry to shops and malls for showing off part of their arms, legs or chest.
Gerrard’s wife Alex Curran, however, is said to be living a ‘dream life’ in their £10k- a-month mansion in Hamala, Bahrain.
The family live in a luxury six-bedroom villa in the Hamala area of the city close to members of Bahrain’s royal family and others from the country’s elite.
It costs around £10,000 per month and comes with its own swimming pool, tennis court and games room and is in a compound behind a high gate.
The exclusive Hamala area in Bahrain, where Steven Gerrard lives with his family
Gerrard and his wife Alex live in this gated community where they rent a mansion for £10,000 a month and their neighbours include members of the royal family
The Moda Mall at World Trade Centre in Bahrain where wealthy locals and British ex-pats shop at the array of designer stores on offer
The Moda Mall at the World Trade Centre in Bahrain is packed full of designer stores
Lily Gerrard, 20, shares a picture to Instagram while staying in Bahrain, where the family enjoy a luxurious lifestyle
In Bahrain football WAGS can enjoy all the luxuries they would in the UK – including an array of top spas in and salons
Steve Gerrard and his wife Alex told friends they are living the ‘dream life’ in Bahrain
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.
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.
The bar inside Bahrain Rugby Football Club, where Gerrard spends some of their downtime
The two former Liverpool stars are occasionally seen having a drink in the Bahrain rugby club, which features a snazzy bar and pool
Another location in the country where she has been spotted strolling in the sunshine is the Avenues, a stylish waterfront shopping centre with over 130 leading brands and more than 60 restaurants and cafes.
Gerrard, however, is facing a fight to remain in his lucrative Saudi Pro League job.
Supporters have turned on the Liverpool legend, while several Saudi pundits have suggested Gerrard should resign from his position.
Reports had emerged that Gerrard could leave the club following a meeting with Hatim Al Misehal, Al-Ettifaq’s head of football.
Gerrard confirmed he had meet with the official on Thursday as part of a typical meeting, while he vowed to fight on despite increasing pressure around the team’s results.
‘On the back of recent results in my position you are always aware of disappointment from fans, I have to take that responsibility on my shoulders,’ Gerrard said on Friday.
‘That is what I will do and continue to fight and work to improve the recent results.
‘I don’t react, change or get overconcerned about social media or anyone on the outside of Ettifaq’s opinion, my priority is this club.
‘I listen to the people within and continue to support my players.
Steven Gerrard has vowed to fight on as coach of Saudi Arabian side Al Ettifaq
Al-Ettifaq fans have turned on Gerrard following a dismal run of results, with some questioning his tactics
He left England behind to move to Saudi Arabia, but it has not worked out for him on the pitch
‘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.’
