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  • USA: FOOTBALL/SOCCER - Dutchman Ruud Gullit appointed coach of Los Angeles Galaxy

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USA: FOOTBALL/SOCCER - Dutchman Ruud Gullit appointed coach of Los Angeles Galaxy

Dutchman Ruud Gullit, a former European Footballer of the Year, has been appointed coach of Los Angeles Galaxy. 45-year-old Ruud Gullit, new coach of the Los Angeles Galaxy, who previously coached Chelsea, Newcastle United and Feyenoord, was introduced at a news conference at the Home Depot Center on Friday (November 9). The appointment of Gullit gives the club the highest-profile coach in the MLS as well as the highest-profile player in former England captain David Beckham, who joined the club in July on a five-year deal. Gullit has been offered a three-year contract, according to local media. "Soccer is a growing sport," the new coach told reporters. "It's something that has become huge in America. And I am really proud to be in the beginning of that process. Therefore, for me it was also an easy decision to take this job, to be on the beginning of this process." European Footballer of the Year in 1987, the flamboyant, formerly dreadlocked Dutchman epitomized the ethos of 'total football' with his all-round skills in several positions. He joined AC Milan in 1987 for a then-world record $8.4 million and, with compatriots Frank Rijkaard and Marco van Basten, helped the Italian club win the European Cup in 1989 and 1990. Not surprisingly, Galaxy President and General Manager Alexi Lalas was brimming with confidence in his new colleague. "I think that in Ruud Gullit we have a very very strong character, a strong personality, someone who believes in himself and someone who has seen a tremendous amount both as a player and a manager," said Lalas. "And we believe that ultimately he is going to live up to the standards that we have here at the Galaxy and bring success for this team." Gullit played for Sampdoria and Chelsea late in his career before coaching Chelsea, Newcastle United and Feyenoord. He has been working as a television soccer analyst since 2006.

ITN Source | November 10, 2007Watch more videos from ITN Source

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