CARSON, Calif. - Ruud Gullit (Rood HOO-lit), legendary Dutch soccer player and successful head coach of such teams as Chelsea FC, Newcastle United and Feyenoord, has been named Head Coach of the Los Angeles Galaxy it was announced by Timothy J. Leiweke, President & CEO AEG, investor/operators of the Major League Soccer (MLS) club. Gullit becomes the sixth coach in club history.
Gullit, 45, one of soccer's greatest players, was named "World Player of the Year" in 1987 and 1989, was "European Player of the Year" in 1987, won the European Cup twice with AC Milan in 1989 and 1990, and won a European Championship with the Dutch National team in 1988. During his career, Gullit played for PSV Eindoven, Chelsea FC, Sampdoria and A.C. Milan. He played 66 times for the Dutch National Team.
Gullit was appointed Player-Manager of Chelsea FC in 1996 and led the team to the FA Cup title in 1997, the club's first major trophy in 26 years. The following season, Gullit was name Manager of Newcastle United F.C. where he immediately led the team to the FA Cup Final in his first year.
"We have signed a world-class coach and leader for this franchise, a soccer man who understands how the game is played and managed at the highest level." said Leiweke. "Ruud will immediately put a system in place that will blend his instinct and knowledge of the game with the assets and talent that are part of the Galaxy franchise. We have asked him to do what is required to build a model MLS franchise and a club that expects to win every time we take the pitch, regardless of the competition. Ruud is an exceptional leader whose commitment, character and experience make him the perfect fit for our team and our organization," Leiweke added.
"I have always looked to take on important challenges and the opportunity to manage the LA Galaxy is an exiting opportunity at this stage in my career," said Gullit. "MLS and AEG are making great progress at building upon the popularity of the game in the United States and I want to play a major part in both bringing the club honors and helping to raise the profile of the game at home and on the world stage."
Alexi Lalas, LA Galaxy President, commented, "The high expectations and the competitive environment at the Galaxy demands strong personalities and confident leaders. Ruud Gullit possesses these qualities and more. Along with their world-class experience, we feel that Ruud and Cobi Jones [named the team's assistant coach] will build a successful and attractive team for our fans in 2008 and beyond."
AEG partnered with 19 Entertainment to assist in the global search for the proper person to handle all coaching duties in addition to all player personal issues including player development and the collegiate draft. The partnership relied on 19 Entertainment's experience and resources within the international soccer community to help assemble a selection of candidates for the position.
"Ruud Gullit coming to America is another important building block bringing MLS and the LA Galaxy to the forefront of world soccer. Soccer is by far the world's most popular sport and is a cultural phenomenon," said 19 Entertainment's Simon Fuller. "We're all focused on doing the right things together with the LA Galaxy to help the U.S. share this passion. Ruud is one of the most remarkable and talented individuals in the history of the game and I am proud to have played my part in bringing him to LA Galaxy."
It was also announced that Cobi Jones, who just completed his 12th and final season with the Galaxy would be joining Gullit's coaching staff as an assistant coach. Jones, an original member of the Galaxy, played more than 300 games for the team from 1996-2007. A legend in the Southland and throughout the nation due to his international play on behalf of the U.S. National Team, Jones was raised in Los Angeles before playing college soccer at UCLA and then moving on to the U.S. National Team, with whom he appeared a record 164 times. Jones played in the 1994, 1998 and 2002 FIFA World Cups.
"I could not be more excited about the opportunity to work with Ruud and Tim and stay within the Galaxy and AEG family and embark on this natural next step in my soccer career," said Jones. "Our goal is to win championships."
Jones is the all-time Galaxy leader in nearly every statistical category, including goals (70), assists (91) and games played (306), making him one of just four MLS players to have appeared in more than 300 games and one of two players to have both 70 goals and 90 assists.
"I need somebody alongside me who I can trust with a deep and respected knowledge of the game in the U.S. and internationally," Gullit added. "Cobi fits that bill perfectly and I look forward to working with him as we aim to bring success on the pitch for the LA Galaxy."
Paul Bravo, currently serving as the Galaxy's Director of Soccer, will continue in this role overseeing all issues related to the Galaxy's roster including scouting and evaluating players (collegiate and professional), overseeing the club's development system and including prospective new signings and other team administrative functions.
Prior to joining the Galaxy, the former U.S. National Team forward served as an assistant coach at UCLA during the 2004 and 2005 seasons, helping the Bruins to a pair of PAC-10 championships. While at UCLA, Bravo helped to recruit and coach a number of exciting and talented players including current U.S. National Team players Jonathan Bornstein, Benny Feilhaber, Kamani Hill, Marvell Wynne, Sal Zizzo and many more.
TRANSACTION: Los Angeles Galaxy (MLS) name Ruud Gullit head coach and Cobi Jones assistant coach.
