Alexi Lalas and Anschutz Entertainment Group will have pulled off yet another coup if Dutch legend Ruud Gullit is indeed unveiled as head coach of the L.A. Galaxy later today. According to Yahoo Sports Martin Rogers, Gullit’s unveiling is a virtual certainty barring a last-minute about-face from Juergen Klinsmann-the perennially uninterested first-choice of many soccer organizers.
As a player, Gullit was even more decorated than David Beckham, having enjoyed international, personal and club success that earned him a European Championship with the Netherlands, a European Cup title with AC Milan in 1989 and European Player of the Year honors in 1987. Gullit has coached Newcastle United and Chelsea of the English Premier League and Feyenoord of the Dutch Eredivisie.
As it turns out, the “sexy” coach Galaxy President Alexi Lalas eluded to was a clever hint of what was to come. Gullit actually coined the term “sexy football” as a BBC pundit more than 10 years ago. No doubt the pressure to recreate that vision will weigh heavily on the Dutchman if he agrees to take charge of the Galaxy. According to Rogers, Gullit is expected to agree to a three-year deal before the end of the day Thursday.