“Being a football manager is no fun at all,” L.A. Galaxy coach Ruud Gullit told ESPN in 2001. It’s such a stressful job, he said, that, “it’s not surprising that so many turn gray or have heart attacks.” The then out of work, Gullit said he enjoyed working with the players and implementing a style of play, “but all the rest I hated.”
By “the rest,” Gullit meant dealing with the constant media scrutiny, which is why the presence of just two reporters at the Galaxy’s Monday practice must have felt like a breath of fresh air. “It’s always fun to be on the pitch with players,” he said. “If you have fun, work becomes easier. You have more fun if you’re winning also.” Of course, Gullit will be expected to win with the Galaxy, something the franchise has been unable to do consistently over the last two years, when the team failed to make the MLS playoffs.
The players certainly believe the Dutchman is the answer. “Everybody is pleased to be coached by one of the most important people in the football world,” said veteran defender Abel Xavier. “It’s exciting…it’s raised the level of our focus, the level of our concentration.” Defender Celestine Babayaro, a former player under Gullit at Newcastle, reveals that Gullit’s arrival was the reason he decided to join the Galaxy. “His way of coaching is unbelievable,” the Nigerian said. “He taught [Newcastle] to keep the ball on the floor, play one of two touches, score lots of goals — basically entertain the fans as well.” It will be interesting to see how that entertainment factor translates into success. Come March, the world will once again be watching.