Steven Gerrard risks further Saudi anger with Liverpool-themed joke

Steven Gerrard's stint at Al-Ettifaq .

Despite an illustrious career at , Gerrard's managerial run in Saudi Arabia lingering in the middle of the pack. Al-Ettifaq's record - only winning two in its last eight games and suffering an embarrassing King Cup exit - has sparked rumors of a potential dismissal.

Yet, it seems Gerrard's focus might be split; the Liverpool icon and his coaching staff, including John Achterberg who also has Anfield ties, appear more engrossed in the fortunes of their former club than their current squad. openly admitted to The Redmen TV: "Myself and John have got more than one eye on it. We've put all our schedule around the Liverpool games! The players are onto me now - we've been training at nine or 10 at night!"

This tongue-in-cheek revelation hasn't sat well, considering Al-Ettifaq's dire form. It's added fuel to an already fiery situation for Gerrard whose tenure has been marked by turbulence, not least Jordan Henderson's abrupt contract cancellation. Gerrard has felt compelled to set the record straight regarding his Liverpool comments, emphasizing his commitment to Al-Ettifaq.

Before their Saturday derby against Al-Qadsiah - a match his team ultimately lost - he explained: "I am aware of where this has all come from. I was on a podcast trying to raise money for a children's charity to make the charity survive and continue.

"I was asked if I still followed Liverpool and I said 'Of course I still follow Liverpool.' They played a huge part in my life and shaped me as a player, person and coach.

"But 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 concern is this job and trying to make this club as good as possible, on and off the field. I am all-in and I will continue to be all-in."