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      Rafa Benitez didn’t hesitate when naming the best player he has ever coached with Cristiano Ronaldo snubbed

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      RAFA BENITEZ didn’t need to think twice when naming Steven Gerrard as the best player he has ever coached — snubbing Cristiano Ronaldo in the process.Benitez, 64, has managed some of Europe’s top teams during a glittering coaching career which started in 1986 at Real Madrid’s academy.Rafa Benitez has named Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard as the best player he’s ever worked withCredit: GettyBenitez snubbed Cristiano Ronaldo after they fell out at Real MadridCredit: GettyHe has since taking charge of giants including Liverpool, Chelsea and Real.And Benitez has a host of trophies to boot, including two league titles, an FA Cup, one Europe League and a Champions League.The Spaniard’s travels have seen him work with some of football’s top names.Fernando Torres, Luka Modric and Eden Hazard are just some of the stars to have crossed Benitez’s path.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut the tactician, most recently in charge of LaLiga side Celta Vigo, reckons Gerrard was head and shoulders above the rest.Benitez managed the midfield powerhouse for six years at Liverpool, with the pair winning an FA Cup and Champions League together.Benitez made his choice despite having also managed legendary forward Ronaldo at Real Madrid.But they famously fell out almost immediately, with Benitez’s contract terminated just six months into his Bernabeu reign.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSExplaining why Gerrard was king in his eyes, Benitez told the It Was What It Was podcast: “He’s the best player that I have ever coached.“He was very good and at the beginning when we were knowing each other.”Rafa Benitez reveals ‘five or six’ offers to return to Premier League but admits ‘there are teams I won’t coach’Benitez explained how Gerrard continued to develop throughout his careerCredit: GettyBenitez was then questioned about the difference between Gerrard and Ronaldo.He was asked: “You coached Ronaldo. You think Steven was a better player?”Benitez answered: “In terms of a complete player. Stevie has the power, he could score goals, good in the air, both feet, could shoot from distance, short, taking penalties, deliveries, corners, free-kicks.“Defending, if it was necessary. He had energy, he trained well and was a good professional. The point with him is he was a box-to-box midfielder from the beginning and little by little he was understanding the game.“He had all the potential and he was getting better in terms of position and decisions later on. But he was great from the beginning.”Rafa Benitez’s managerial statsThose numbers in full:Real Madrid B, July 1993-June 1995: P65 W26 D18 L21Valladolid, July 1995-Jan 1996: P29 W5 D10 L14Osasuna, July 1996-Nov 1996: P11 W3 D4 L4Extremadura, July 1997-June 1999: P92 W36 D26 L30Tenerife, July 2000-June 2001: P46 W23 D11 L12Valencia, July 2001-June 2004: P162 W88 D41 L33Liverpool, June 2004-June 2010: P350 W194 D77 L79Inter Milan, June 2010-Dec 2010: P25 W12 D6 L7Chelsea (interim), Nov 2012-May 2013: P48 W28 D10 L10Napoli, May 2013-June 2015: P112 W59 D28 L25Real Madrid, June 2015-Jan 2016: P25 W17 D5 L3Newcastle, March 2016-June 2019: P146 W62 D31 L53Dalian Pro, July 2019-Jan 2021: P38 W12 D8 L18Everton, June 2021-Jan 2022: P22 W7 D5 L10Celta Vigo, July 2023-March 2024: P33 W9 D9 L15TrophiesLa Liga x2, Uefa Cup (Valencia)FA Cup, Community Shield, Champions League, Uefa Super Cup (Liverpool)Italian Super Cup, Club World Cup (Inter Milan)Europa League (Chelsea)Italian Cup, Italian Super Cup (Napoli)Championship (Newcastle) More

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      Captaincy options for Gameweek 12: Bruno Fernandes and Mohamed Salah lead nominees

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      IT’S once again time for Dream Team managers to select their captain (and vice captain) for the Gameweek ahead.Gameweek 12 is set to feature a full round of Premier League fixtures as well as the continuation of the European competitions in midweek, meaning double headers for Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City, Aston Villa, Manchester United, Tottenham and Chelsea.We strong advise gaffers to pick a captain who is likely to play twice – let’s run through the strongest candidates.Dream Team’s leading point scorerCredit: ReutersDream Team bosses who have opted to double Mohamed Salah’s (£7.3m) points in recent weeks have gained ground on those who have remained loyal to Erling Haaland (£8.6m).Liverpool’s main man has matched or bettered the Norwegian poacher’s score for four consecutive Gameweeks.And there’s every chance he’ll extend that streak to five with Arne Slot’s side due to face 20th-placed Southampton this weekend.The Reds will then welcome Real Madrid to Anfield in midweek.Los Blancos are the kings of the Champions League as 15-time winners but they’ve already been beaten by Lille and Milan in this season’s competition – a trip to Merseyside comes at a bad time for Jude Bellingham and company.Haaland is capable of punishing his doubters but Man City’s form is a concernCredit: GettyAs for Haaland, he’s due to face Spurs and Feyenoord and could easily plunder plentiful points, especially with the North Londoners missing key defenders through injury.But it’s simply true that Pep Guardiola’s side are in a bad moment having lost four games on the spin.Most read in FootballSalah is seemingly the logical choice for Gameweek 12.Elsewhere, many gaffers will be tempted to stick the armband on Bruno Fernandes (£6.1m).The Red Devils’ skipper is both Dream Team’s most in-form player right now and the most popular recruit ahead of Gameweek 12’s deadline.Dream Team’s form manCredit: ReutersRuben Amorim’s first game in charge of Man United comes away to Ipswich, quickly followed by a Europa League meeting with plucky Norwegian outfit Bodo/Glimt at Old Trafford.All things considered, that’s a favourable double header for the former Sporting tactician and so there’s every chance Fernandes continues his fine form.The 30-year-old notched more points than any other player in Gameweek 11 and that alone makes him a viable captaincy option.Score PredictorPlay Score Predictor with Dream Team this season!FREE to play£250 weekly prizePredict scores of five selected Premier League fixtures and earn points for accuracyMost points wins weekly cash prizePLAY NOWSome gaffers will be tempted to captain Cole Palmer (£6.2m) now the Chelsea talisman is expected to be available for the Blues’ trip to Leicester on Saturday.However, please be aware that the reigning PFA Young Player of the Year will not feature against Heidenheim on Thursday night because he is not part of Chelsea’s Conference League for the league phase.In fact, Enzo Maresca tends to rotate pretty much his entire starting line-up for European games.That’s not to say Palmer isn’t capable of a big double-digit haul against the Foxes, he’s produced several such performances in the last year, but gaffers aiming to play the odds by targeting two fixtures in Gameweek 12 will have to look elsewhere.Saka is a doubt for Gameweek 12 at this stageBukayo Saka (£6.6m) is usually a relative popular captain but Arsenal’s No7 is an availability doubt at this stage.Plus, high-flying Nottingham Forest and Sporting CP is a deceptively tricky double header on current form.READ MORE SUN STORIESOther nominees to consider include Alejandro Garnacho (£4.1m), Luis Diaz (£4.6m) and Dominic Solanke (£4.3m) but it looks to be between Salah, Fernandes and Haaland for captain this time around.Elect your skipper for Gameweek 12 before Saturday’s 11:30am deadline.BetMGM sign up offerBetMGM: Get £40 in free bets — HERE**New cust only. 7 days to opt in by placing a £10 qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater to receive 4x Free Bets: 1 x £10 horse racing, 1 x £10 Bet Builder, 1 x £10 Acca and 1 x £10 football. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. T&Cs apply.Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org More

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      Transfer recommendations for Gameweek 12: Liverpool and Manchester United double headers ripe with potential

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      DREAM TEAM managers should be aware that seven teams are set to fulfil two fixtures in Gameweek 12.After a full round of Premier League games, Liverpool, Manchester City, Arsenal, Aston Villa, Tottenham, Manchester United and Chelsea will be in European action across Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.Gaffers intent on a points-laden return from the international break should have these double headers in mind when making their transfers ahead of Saturday’s 11:30am deadline.As usual, we’ve collated some recommendations outside the blindingly obvious names.Target the European fixtures for bumper returnsCredit: Dream TeamLuis Diaz (£4.6m)Arne Slot’s side are set to face 20th-placed Southampton this weekend before they welcome Real Madrid to Anfield in midweek.Mohamed Salah (£7.3m) is best placed to take advantage but it’s probably worth doubling up on attacking Liverpool assets, with the Colombia winger a shining light.In fact, only Erling Haaland (£8.6m) and Salah have scored more goals than Diaz in all competitions this season.There may be some concerns about the 27-year-old after a long flight back from South America but he should get his fair share of minutes across the two fixtures.Diaz ranks second among Dream Team midfielders having amassed 112 points across the first 11 Gameweeks.Most read in FootballGaffers worldwide will have one eye on Amorim’s first game in charge of Man UnitedCredit: GettyNoussair Mazraoui (£3.8m)Nobody would put Man United in the same bracket as Liverpool at present but the former’s double header looks mightily appealing on paper.The Red Devils visit Ipswich this weekend and host Bodo/Glimt on Thursday night – a relatively favourable start for Ruben Amorim as Old Trafford boss.Mazraoui has racked up 91 points to date, thanks in no small part to 55 tackles (an unmatched tally among defenders) and a healthy return of 13 bonus points.There’s every chance the Morocco international will be deployed as a wing-back if Amorim implements his preferred 3-4-3 formation, as expected, which would mean more time in the final third.Mazraoui is already well placed to take points off the Tractor Boys and Norwegian Europa League opposition; a more advanced role would only increase his viability.Ahead of Gameweek 11 we recommended Bruno Fernandes (£6.1m) and the in-form midfielder repaid our faith with a 17-point return so he’s probably worth repeating this week – it’s not too late!Score PredictorPlay Score Predictor with Dream Team this season!FREE to play£250 weekly prizePredict scores of five selected Premier League fixtures and earn points for accuracyMost points wins weekly cash prizePLAY NOWLucas Digne (£3.6m)This suggestion comes with risk as Aston Villa have lost four games on the spin but Saturday’s meeting with Crystal Palace has to be considered a favourable one.Only Southampton have scored fewer league goals than the Eagles this season.That being said, one doesn’t pick Digne for clean sheets, it’s his attacking threat that makes him a tempting option.The Frenchman has provided three assists and created eight big chances this term – no defender has registered more at this juncture.He was in great form for Les Bleus during the international break too, if that carries any weight.The Villains’ additional fixture is a home game against Juventus in the Champions League, a tougher test, but Unai Emery’s side have already seen off Bayern Munich in the midlands this term.A creative force from defenceCredit: EPAAlexander Isak (£5.1m)We always finish with an alternative recommendation of sorts.Newcastle’s No14 is hardly a hidden gem but he’s certainly not an obvious option for Gameweek 12 because the Magpies only have one fixture.However, that fixture happens to be against a beleaguered West Ham outfit at St James’ Park.Isak has scored in four consecutive games (for a return of 42 points) in a run that has seen Eddie Howe’s mob knock off Chelsea, Arsenal and high-flying Nottingham Forest – he will fancy his chances of extending his streak against the Hammers on current form.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt’s worth noting that our last wildcard suggestions, Rayan Ait-Nouri (£3.4m) and Matheus Cunha (£4.5m), combined for 22 points in Gameweek 11.Sometimes it pays to think outside the box.BetMGM sign up offerBetMGM: Get £40 in free bets — HERE**New cust only. 7 days to opt in by placing a £10 qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater to receive 4x Free Bets: 1 x £10 horse racing, 1 x £10 Bet Builder, 1 x £10 Acca and 1 x £10 football. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. T&Cs apply.Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org More

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      ‘North vs South match could be huge positive for English game’ as Premier League considers holding matches in the US

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      A NORTH vs South match could be a huge positive for English football, says a football investment expert.It was an idea mooted by Todd Boehly two years ago, not long after he took control of Chelsea.The Big Six already compete in the Summer Series friendlies in the USBoehly stated at the time that he wanted the Premier League to “take a little bit of a lesson from American sports” and questioned why there was not an All-Star game.A YouGov poll found most fans opposed the idea of such a match, though younger fans supported it, but investment specialist Adam Sommerfeld believes it could benefit the Premier League.He suggests US investment, which already has a stronghold in the Prem, could enhance the English game and improve its entertainment product.Sommerfeld told SunSport: “Some of the things they would bring to the game could be necessary changes or enhancements to the game.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”A North vs South game, an All-Star game, why is it so bad? It’s just more entertainment, it’s something different. “We are in this attention economy, it’s a better and improved entertainment product so I don’t see it as a bad thing at all.”Those discussions are taking place (to have a Prem match in the US). We’ve seen from the NFL, NBA, MLB coming to London, these are big showcases, they are great events and they help promote that game.”I don’t think it’s the worst thing. I think it’s quite exciting, I think the fans would travel. We’ve seen from games in Europe that fans like the away day.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”I don’t think that’s the worst thing at all.”LaLiga president Javier Tebas said there are plans to hold a league match in the US as early as the 2025-26 season, to build LaLiga’s brand in the American market.Every Premier League club’s most famous and also most surprising fanCrossing the pond for pre-season friendlies has already become a regular fixture for several English clubs, even League One side Wrexham thanks to the popularity of documentary ‘Welcome to Wrexham’.TV executives are keen for a Prem game to be played in the US and the idea has received support from Liverpool chairman Tom Werner and London mayor Sadiq Khan.Werner told the Financial Times: “I’m determined one day to have a Premier League game be played in New York City.”I even have the sort of crazy idea that there would be a day where we play one game in Tokyo, one game a few hours later in Los Angeles, one game a few hours later in Rio, one game a few hours later in Riyadh and make it sort of a day where football, where the Premier League, is celebrated.” More

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      Top tips for Score Predictor Matchweek 12 – play now and compete for £250 weekly prize!

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      SCORE PREDICTOR returns with Matchweek 12 coming in hot.As usual, it’s free to play with a £250 cash prize for the weekly winner so there’s no reason to shy away.Play Score Predictor now!Credit: Dream TeamSimply submit your predictions for the five selected Premier League games and earn points for the accuracy of your forecast as the action unfolds.If you amass the most points then – cha ching – you’ll pocket the cash!Allow us to present some key stats and facts for each relevant fixture this Matchweek.Arsenal v Nottingham ForestThis was a relatively straightforward match-up to predict in recent seasons but Forest are a different beast this term.Nuno Espirito Santo’s mob are currently fifth in the table, level with the Gunners on 19 points.Only Liverpool have conceded fewer league goals than Forest at this stage while only Erling Haaland is clear of Chris Wood in the Golden Boot race.Mikel Arteta’s troops will certainly be wary of an upset having only won one of their last five outings in all competitions; and that a victory over Championship side Preston in the Carabao Cup.Most read in FootballWhat’s more, Forest boast the second-best away record in the top flight having gone unbeaten on the road since the start of the campaign.There’s a chance Arsenal will have reset during the international break but all signs point to a very competitive game at the Emirates this Saturday.Our Prediction: 1-1 drawForest have already won at Anfield this seasonCredit: GettyManchester City v TottenhamProbably the standout match-up of Matchweek 12.Pep Guardiola suffered a fourth consecutive defeat for the first time in his managerial career when his side fell to Brighton prior to the break.It would be quite something if that run were to extend to five but certainly not inconceivable given the opposition.Spurs have been a bogey team for the decorated tactician in recent years although his woes have generally stemmed from North London – City’s home record remains imperious.Ange Postecoglou’s side are difficult to pin down this season.They’re the league’s top scorers but inconsistent form, typified by their loss to Ipswich last time out, has them tenth in the standings.These sides rank first and second for total shots in the Premier League this season and with vulnerabilities in both defences it could be an entertaining contest – a tough one to predict though.Our Prediction: 2-2 drawScore PredictorPlay Score Predictor with Dream Team this season!FREE to play£250 weekly prizePredict scores of five selected Premier League fixtures and earn points for accuracyMost points wins weekly cash prizePLAY NOWSouthampton v LiverpoolIf the first two match-ups are tantalisingly poised, this one appears relatively simple.With Saints pinned to the bottom of the table and the Reds leading the way at the top, this is a huge mismatch on paper.Arne Slot may have one eye on Real Madrid in midweek but it’s surely a question of how many for the visitors on Sunday?Our Prediction: 4-0 to LiverpoolSouthampton will be up against it this weekendCredit: GettyIpswich v Manchester UnitedThe Red Devils once beat the Tractor Boys 9-0 under Alex Ferguson’s watch but that was a long time ago.After an underwhelming start to the campaign that proved to be the end of Erik ten Hag, Man United are just four places above Ipswich in the table at present.Although the East Anglians were made to wait until November 10th for their first Premier League since promotion.The primary talking point about this game revolves around Ruben Amorim with the Portuguese tactician set to take charge of his first game as head coach of the 20-time champions.Score Predictors will have to ask themselves how much they believe in the concept of a new manager bounce.Only Everton, Crystal Palace and Southampton have scored fewer league goals than Man United this term but there were signs of an upturn prior to the break.Our Prediction: 3-1 to Manchester UnitedA trip to Portman represents a relatively favourable start for Amorim on paperCredit: GettyNewcastle v West HamOptimism has been restored at St James’ Park this month following back-to-back wins over Arsenal and high-flying Forest.After a somewhat subdued start to the campaign, Alexander Isak is now bang in form having scored in four consecutive games – the Swedish striker will fancy his chances of extending his streak on Monday night.In contrast, patience is running thin among Hammers fans in regards to Julen Lopetegui’s tenure.West Ham failed to score in either of the last two outings (against Forest and Everton) and have been rendered relatively toothless by Mohammed Kudus’ lengthy suspension.Having been 3-1 down in the 76th minute, Harvey Barnes inspired Newcastle to a 4-3 win over West Ham in the corresponding fixture last season but it should be a more straightforward task for the hosts this time around.Our Prediction: 2-0 to NewcastleREAD MORE SUN STORIESThink you know better? You’re almost certainly right!Play Score Predictor now and put yourself in contention for the £250 weekly prize.BetMGM sign up offerBetMGM: Get £40 in free bets — HERE**New cust only. 7 days to opt in by placing a £10 qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater to receive 4x Free Bets: 1 x £10 horse racing, 1 x £10 Bet Builder, 1 x £10 Acca and 1 x £10 football. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. T&Cs apply.Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org More

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      Just 58% of Dream Team managers have used a Booster this season – activate one in Gameweek 12 for bumper returns

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      OVER half of all Dream Team managers are yet to play a single Booster this season.To be precise, 58% of gaffers still have Goal Bonus, 12th Man and Max Captain in the holster.Send your points into orbit by playing a BoosterCredit: Dream TeamWith over two thirds of the campaign remaining, this is perfectly reasonable given each Booster can only be played once per season – there’s certainly no need to be overly eager.However, if you’re included in the aforementioned 58% of bosses, you should at least consider the possibility of activating a Booster ahead of Gameweek 12.Generally speaking, Boosters are best deployed when the vast majority of your players have two fixtures at their disposal for the very simple reason that assets with additional games tend to perform better than counterparts who are essentially limited to league commitments.Seven teams are set to pull double duty in Gameweek 12 with Arsenal, Manchester City, Liverpool and Aston Villa in Champions League action, Tottenham and Manchester United active in the Europa League, and Chelsea resuming their Conference League campaign.What’s more, several of those clubs have favourable league fixtures this weekend.A trip to Ipswich represents a relatively favourable start for Ruben AmorimCredit: GettyGAMEWEEK 12 DOUBLE HEADERS:MANCHESTER CITY vs Tottenham, FeyenoordARSENAL vs Nottingham Forest & Sporting CPLIVERPOOL vs Southampton & Real MadridASTON VILLA vs Crystal Palace & JuventusTOTTENHAM vs Manchester City & RomaMANCHESTER UNITED vs Ipswich & Bodo/GlimtCHELSEA vs Leicester & HeidenheimIf your team features plenty of Liverpool, Man United and Villa players then it might be well suited to a Booster as those three sides are due to face teams currently in the bottom four across Saturday and Sunday.Most read in FootballRemember, the Goal Bonus Booster increases the value of each goal from six points to nine points.For example, if you captain Mohamed Salah (£7.3m) and he bags a brace against Saints and a goal against the La Liga giants in midweek, which is perfectly feasible on current form, you’re looking at a mega haul of 70+ points from the Egyptian superstar alone.It goes without saying that your XI needs to be loaded with goal threats when you activate Goal Bonus – there’s no point hitting the button when you’ve got five defenders.Salah could feast against bottom-of-the-league Southampton on SundayCredit: GettyAlternatively, you might want to consider selecting a 12th Man for Gameweek 12.If you haven’t got Bruno Fernandes (£6.1m) in your midfield and can’t afford to recruit the game’s most in-form player via a transfer ahead of Saturday’s deadline then the Portuguese playmaker would make an excellent 12th Man with the Red Devils set to face Ipswich and Bodo/Glimt.Man United’s fixtures look even more appealing if you believe in the power of a New Manager Bounce with Ruben Amorim now firmly in charge at Old Trafford.Score PredictorPlay Score Predictor with Dream Team this season!FREE to play£250 weekly prizePredict scores of five selected Premier League fixtures and earn points for accuracyMost points wins weekly cash prizePLAY NOWIt should be stressed that Boosters should only be played when it suits your specific team – don’t force it if it’s not the right time.Gameweek 12 looks like an inviting opportunity on paper but with several popular players currently flagged as availability concerns – Bukayo Saka, Cole Palmer, Bryan Mbeumo, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Phil Foden, etc – it may not be the right time for you.But if the stars align there could be bumper points up for grabs this coming Gameweek.BetMGM sign up offerBetMGM: Get £40 in free bets — HERE**New cust only. 7 days to opt in by placing a £10 qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater to receive 4x Free Bets: 1 x £10 horse racing, 1 x £10 Bet Builder, 1 x £10 Acca and 1 x £10 football. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. T&Cs apply.Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org More

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      Awkward Alexander-Arnold billboard showing Liverpool star posing with ex is erected in Madrid amid Real transfer links

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      AN AWKWARD billboard of Trent Alexander-Arnold has been unveiled in Madrid.The Liverpool star has been the subject of speculation linking him with a move away from Anfield.Alexander-Arnold has appeared in an advert displayed in MadridCredit: Guess JeansAnd it appears there is only one likely destination – Real Madrid.Naturally, some fans are now fearing the worst after a billboard featuring the defender was erected in the Spanish capital.Alexander-Arnold models for GUESS Jeans in the advert, which has also been displayed in Amsterdam and Milan.But some fans cannot ignore the obvious link between the billboard’s location and Real Madrid’s interest in Alexander-Arnold. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOne fan reacted saying: “It’s obvious he’s going, what I’m interested in is when he’s gonna announce it.”Another added: “Liverpool bigger than one player. Best of luck to him 👍”A third wrote: “He is already in Madrid in his head.”Other fans pointed out the awkward nature of the billboard as Alexander-Arnold poses with his ex-girlfriend Iris Law in his arms.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe features on the billboard alongside his ex-girlfriend Iris LawCredit: Dan CharityEstelle on her InstagramCredit: InstgramTo make matters worse the England star is now dating model Estelle Behnke.Alexander-Arnold is out of contract at the end of the season and Real have reportedly opened up talks with his representatives over a move to the Bernabeu next summer.Trent Alexander-Arnold’s New Love Life Revealed More

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      Steven Gerrard reunited with Michael Beale as ex-Sunderland and Rangers boss appointed his Al-Ettifaq assistant

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      MICHAEL BEALE is set for to be reunited with Steven Gerrard after being appointed Al-Ettifaq’s new assistant managerEx-Rangers boss Beale has been out of work since being sacked by Sunderland in February.Michael Beale is set to reunite with Steven Gerrard at Al-EttifaqCredit: The SunMeanwhile Gerrard is under pressure at Al-Ettifaq following a horror start to the season.The Liverpool legend has kept his £15million-a-year job but has made changes to his backroom staff.Assistant manager Dean Holden and sporting director Mark Allen both left by mutual consent.And Beale – who worked with Gerrard in Scotland – has now joined to replace Holden.READ MORE IN football The 44-year-old was in charge for just 12 matches at Sunderland before being sacked in February.Al-Ettifaq sit 12th out of 18 in the Saudi Pro League, losing HALF of their ten games this season.The ex-England captain held crisis talks with Al-Ettifaq’s owners in November – but vowed to fight for his job.He said: “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.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”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.”I meet Mr Hatim (head of football Hatim Al Misehal) 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.”Steven Gerrard is looking for self improvement Al Ettifaq More