Beckham's team in disarray

2008-08-12 12:07

California - The Los Angeles Galaxy, who are in the midst of a seven-game winless streak, fired general manager Alexi Lalas and accepted the resignation of coach Ruud Gullit on Monday.

The David Beckham-led Galaxy are 0-4-3 in their last seven games after expecting to contend for the Major League Soccer title this season.

Los Angeles sits in fourth place in the Western Conference with a 6-8-5 record.

The Galaxy's longest winless streak in history is 10 games during the 2006 season.

Gullit declined to go into detail about why he resigned citing "personal reasons."

"Both parties have agreed on mutually agreeable terms to part company," said Tim Leiweke, president of the AEG Group that owns the Galaxy.

'Future success'

"It is an amicable arrangement and we appreciate and respect the issues that Ruud has highlighted with the club and are very grateful for all the hard work he has contributed while with the organization.

"Hopefully, he has laid the foundations for future success for the Los Angeles Galaxy," Leiweke said.

Gullit will replaced by interim-coach Cobi Jones.

The 33-year-old Beckham became the highest paid player in the MLS when the Galaxy signed him to a contract in 2007. But his presence hasn't translated into wins on the field for Los Angeles.

Beckham, who is one of the most recognizable sportsmen in the world, is third in team scoring with five goals in 18 games this season.

Lalas, whose contract expired at the end of the season, followed Gullit out the door.

"With Ruud moving on, we believe that this is the right time to make more sweeping changes throughout the organization," Leiweke added.

Gullit joined Los Angeles during the off-season after replacing Canadian Frank Yallop.

Gullit is a former Holland international. He brought with him a solid resume as the ex-coach of Feyenoord and Newcastle.

Lalas joined the Galaxy's front office from New York in 2006 after playing for the Galaxy from 2001 to 2003.

- AFP