Steven Gerrard holds hands up as nightmare Saudi run continues

The Al-Ettifaq 'project' under Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard isn't exactly going to plan.

After a somewhat promising start to life in Saudi Arabia, which saw Al-Ettifaq tussling with the PIF-funded outfits near the top of the table, it's been all downhill for Gerrard's side in recent times.

Having last picked up a league victory on October 28, the club are now winless in two months - a run which was extended on Thursday in cruel fashion.

Gerrard would have hoped that his side's search for three points was about to end as they faced bottom of the league Al Hazem on Thursday.

Former Leicester winger Demarai Gray looked to put Al-Etiffaq on course for that elusive win when he bagged 20 minutes from time.

However, his goal was cancelled out by a last-minute penalty as the visiting Al Hazem earned a share of the spoils.

Now sitting just eight points above the drop zone, the pressure is mounting on Gerrard to turn things around in Saudi Arabia.

"I am the first to hold responsibility and I will not blame anyone," said Gerrard.

"I know our financial capacity well and we have the opportunity to make signings that will improve the team.

"You can find players in other teams who scored 13 goals. We have Moussa [Dembele] who scored eight, Gini [Wijnaldum] scored six and the rest either scored one or two goals."

As the Saudi Pro League now enters a lengthy break, there is talk of Gerrard potentially turning to yet another former Liverpool player to bolster his ranks - with out-of-favour Al-Ahli striker Roberto Firmino reportedly in his sights.

Firmino would reunite with former Reds midfielders Jordan Henderson - Gerrard's skipper - and Gini Wijnaldum at Al-Ettifaq, were he to join.

Commenting on the prospect of recruiting Firmino, Gerrard added: "I obviously know Bobby extremely well, I've been a massive fan. I've followed him for years.

"At the moment, he's Al-Ahli's player, so it's very difficult for me to comment on that situation. But I've loved Bobby Firmino since the first day I watched him and I'm a huge fan."