Galaxy plan shake-up after Gullit resignation

(GETTY IMAGES)

Ruud Gullit has resigned as coach of Los Angeles Galaxy while Alexi Lalas has been fired as general manager and president of the Major League Soccer club.

LA Galaxy have failed to win any of their last seven games and it is proving to be another turbulent season for the California club and their star player, the long-time England captain David Beckham.

However, Gullit cited "personal reasons" for his decision to quit. "Both parties have agreed on mutually agreeable terms to part company," said Tim Leiweke, the president of the AEG Group that owns LA Galaxy. "It is an amicable arrangement."

While Gullit left of his own accord, the club dismissed Lalas rather than wait for his contract to expire at the end of the season. "With Ruud moving on, we believe that this is the right time to make more sweeping changes throughout the organisation," Leiweke said.

The moves come as the Galaxy's poor form has resulted in them dropping out of the play-off spots in the Western Conference. With 23 points from 19 games,they stand to miss out on a post-season berth.

Gullit took over as Galaxy coach during the close season following the departure of Frank Yallop to San Jose Earthquakes. Gullit is to be replaced by the former Galaxy star and assistant coach Cobi Jones on an interim basis.