Gullit resigns as Los Angeles Galaxy coach

Ruud Gullit resigned on Monday as coach of the struggling Los Angeles Galaxy who also fired general manager Alexi Lalas.

Los Angeles are in the midst of a seven-game winless streak (0-4-3) despite having a healthy David Beckman in the lineup.

Los Angeles were expected to contend for the Major League Soccer title this year but are fourth in the Western Conference with a 6-8-5 record.

Gullit cited “personal reasons” in his decision to resign.

“Both parties have agreed on mutually agreeable terms to part company,” said Tim Leiweke, president of the AEG Group that owns the Galaxy.

“It is an amicable arrangement and we appreciate and respect the issues that Ruud has highlighted with the club and are very grateful for all the hard work he has contributed while with the organization. Hopefully, he has laid the foundations for future success for the Los Angeles Galaxy,” Leiweke said.

Los Angeles could have waited until Lalas' contract expired at the end of the season but they chose to have him follow Gullit out the door.

“With Ruud moving on, we believe that this is the right time to make more sweeping changes throughout the organization,” Leiweke added.

Gullit took over as Galaxy coach in the offseason following the departure of Frank Yallop to the San Jose Earthquakes.

The former Holland international brought with him solid credentials as the former Newcastle and Feyenoord coach, but failed to turn around the fortunes of the Galaxy. He will replaced on an interim basis by assistant coach Cobi Jones.

Lalas joined the Galaxy's front office from New York in 2006 after playing for the Galaxy from 2001 to 2003.