STEVEN GERRARD baffled football fans by offering a strange reason why his Al-Ettifaq side are struggling.
The Liverpool legend’s Saudi Pro League outfit are languishing in seventh place in the table, 15 points adrift of leaders Al-Hilal.
They have not won any of their last four matches in all competitions, scoring just one goal.
That strike came on Friday when they drew 1-1 at home to champions Al-Ittihad.
Ex-Liverpool midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum gave Gerrard’s men the lead, before they were pegged back in the second half.
But the Al-Ettifaq boss cited a lack of penalties being awarded to his side as one of the reasons behind their recent poor form.
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Gerrard said: “We are the only team to not have a penalty, but I think we deserved it in more than one match.
“It is true and this has been noted by myself and the club.
“I am not the one who decides the penalty kicks for our team, but we have deserved one in more than one match, not just today.”
He went on to add: “The dressing room was full of sadness on my players’ faces because of the draw.
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“We are disappointed with the result. We were closer to getting the three points.”
Reacting to the comments, one fan said: “Is he for real?”
Another simply replied: “Surely not 😂😂😂.”
A third added: “I thought that was a joke at first 😂😂.”
And a fourth responded: “Next he’ll be wanting less fans, to reduce the pressure on his players 🤪.”
Al-Ettifaq’s high-profile players include Wijnaldum, Jordan Henderson and Demarai Gray.
However, they are not one of the four state-owned clubs, Al-Nassr, Al-Hilal, Al-Ittihad and Al-Ahli.
Gerrard took the job in Saudi after a difficult 11-month spell in charge of Aston Villa.
Unai Emery succeeded Gerrard at Villa Park and has turned them into a team fighting for the top four in the Premier League.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
