Ruud Gullit

[Zathras 234]

Rumors over here that he's on his way to coach the LA Galaxy.

 

 

Didn't think they could get much lower, but they're sure trying.

 

 

http://sports.yahoo.com/mls/news?slug=txga...t&type=lgns

[Tom 13806]

[Jimbo 133]

A glorified pub team, thats about his level

[Dr Kenneth Noisewater 0]

Ruud Gullit is perfect leading man for David Beckham

 

After struggling to make an impact because of a series of injuries in his first season with Los Angeles Galaxy, David Beckham can look forward to playing more “sexy football” next year, with Ruud Gullit set to be appointed as the club’s new manager.

 

The former Chelsea manager flew to the United States for final contract talks with Galaxy executives last night and his appointment is expected to be confirmed tomorrow. It is understood that while not consulted by the club’s owners during the recruitment process, Beckham is happy with the move.

 

Galaxy’s choice of Gullit represents a considerable departure from the lower profile of their previous manager, Frank Yallop, who left the club this week to return to his former position as head coach of the San Jose Earthquakes. Although Yallop’s contract was bought out by San Jose, it is likely he would have been dismissed after Galaxy’s failure to reach the play-offs and suggestions he was struggling to cope with the increased interest that came with Beckham’s arrival.

 

Galaxy resolved to go for a more high-profile manager, making an audacious inquiry about José Mourinho’s availability before identifying Gullit as a respected coach who is comfortable moving within celebrity circles.

 

The 45-year-old’s record in management with Chelsea, Newcastle United and Feyenoord is relatively modest, but his legendary achievements as a player will ensure he is well-equipped to work with Beckham, as well as attracting other big-name stars to the club.

 

Although not personally involved, it is understood that Beckham’s management company, 19 Entertainment, played an important role in identifying Gullit after being asked to come up with a shortlist by AEG, Galaxy’s owners. Simon Fuller, the chief executive of 19, put together a commercial and sponsorship package to supplement Gullit’s £2 million-a-year basic wages.

 

Why not go the whole hog and call them the L.A Beckhams?

[Meenzer 13965]

Simon Fuller?! You could start believing U.S. soccer really was just another reality TV show...

[RlCO 0]

Piss myself if he wen't over there and dropped Beckham on derby day.

[Zathras 234]

The best part is Alexi Lalas saying he wanted someone to get the Galaxy to play "sexy football." Nothing changes, I guess.

 

 

As much as Gullit is a moron, there will be no success in LA until Lalas is gone. Yallop was undercut by Lalas trading away half his squad mid-season.

[Besty 4]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/7086207.stm

 

LA Galaxy name Gullit as new boss

 

Former Chelsea boss Ruud Gullit has been named as the new coach of Major League Soccer club Los Angeles Galaxy.

 

Former European Footballer of the Year Gullit succeeds Frank Yallop, who quit LA Galaxy to return to San Jose for a second stint as Earthquakes coach.

 

Galaxy captain David Beckham, who likely to be named in Steve McClaren's England team on Friday, is due to attend Gullit's unveiling the same day.

 

Gullit, 45, has also previously managed Newcastle and coached Feyenoord.

 

Yallop's departure came after a difficult season for the Galaxy as they failed to make the play-offs for a second consecutive year.

 

The team this season played under an extraordinary spotlight surrounding the mid-season signing of Beckham, who rarely played due to injury problems.

 

If Beckham is the the MLS's highest-profile player, arguably Dutchman Gullit, who was European Footballer of the Year in 1987, is set to become the league's highest-profile manager. He joined AC Milan in 1987 for a world record fee and, with compatriots Frank Rijkaard and Marco van Basten, helped the Italian club win the European Cup in 1989 and 1990.

 

Gullit also played for Sampdoria and Chelsea, before starting his managerial career with the London club.

 

He famously coined the term "sexy football" while commentating for the BBC during Euro 1996.