BBC SPORT | Football | LA Galaxy name Gullit as new boss (original) (raw)

Gullit will work alongside Jones

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 was named in Steve McClaren's England squad on Friday, is due to attend Gullit's unveiling the same day.

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

	I have always liked the underdog and here I am facing the same challenge

The former AC Milan player added: "Just a week ago I was on holiday in the Dominican Republic when I was asked if I would like this job, so it's happened very quickly.

"I'm very pleased to be here and I will do everything in my power to win, but it is a huge challenge. The expectations are very high here, and I have already told the players what I expect of them.

"I need more time to analyse the team so it is too early to say what my priorities will be.

"I had a lot of opportunities before I came here and I was still involved in football but I wanted to take the opportunity that would fit me. I have always liked the underdog and here I am facing the same challenge.

"A lot of Dutch players have texted me already - but I cannot say who - they are very excited though."

Gullit has appointed Kobi Jones as his assistant. Jones retired at the end of last season but was keen to continue his role with the Galaxy.

The former Holland star, 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 played under an extraordinary spotlight after the mid-season signing of Beckham, who rarely played due to injury problems.

If Beckham is 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.

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