Gullit leaves Galaxy

Ruud Gullit has resigned as coach of the LA Galaxy for personal reasons.

Ruud Gullit has resigned as coach of the LA Galaxy for personal reasons and president/general manager Alexi Lalas has also left. Gullit, who took over at Galaxy last November, has quit the MLS outfit because of personal reasons. Former American international Lalas, whose current deal was due to expire at the end of the year, has seen his contract terminated early. The news comes in the wake of an alarming slump in form for David Beckham's Galaxy with the side failing to win in their last seven games. Galaxy investor/operator Tim Leiweke confirmed Gullit and Lalas had left the club. "We are stepping up and doing what we need to do to straighten this thing out," said Leiweke. "There are two good people that for different reasons aren't part of this organisation today, and that's a shame. "The fact is, the players have to look deep inside themselves and understand they have to be responsible for some of this. "The Galaxy hasn't made the play-offs for a couple of years. Punting on this season is not acceptable." First-team coach Cobi Jones is set to replace Gullit on a temporary basis as Galaxy look to get their season back on track. In a statement, former Chelsea and Newcastle boss Gullit cited the difficulties of relocating his family to California as one of the reasons for his departure. "In truth, it has proved a lot more difficult than I anticipated for my family to settle in the area and the club has been very supportive and understanding of my decision," he said. "I would like to thank the players and the fans for their fantastic support and I wish the LA Galaxy much success in the future. I would now like to spend some time with my family before considering any other position in football."