Ruud Gullit stressed his commitment to raising the profile of football in the United States as he was unveiled as Los Angeles Galaxy's new head coach on Friday.
The former Newcastle and Chelsea manager will take charge of ex-England captain David Beckham, among other Galaxy players, when he begins his tenure by overseeing their 2008 Major League Soccer campaign.
The 45-year-old former Holland international was strongly linked with the Galaxy vacancy, following Frank Yallop's resignation - and was duly unveiled at a news conference at his new club's Home Depot Center ground.
"I have always looked to take on important challenges, and the opportunity to manage the LA Galaxy is an exiting opportunity at this stage in my career," said Gullit.
"MLS and (sponsors) AEG are making great progress at building upon the popularity of the game in the United States, and I want to play a major part in both bringing the club honours and helping to raise the profile of the game at home and on the world stage."
AEG chief executive Tim Leiweke and Galaxy president Alexi Lalas spoke of their hopes for Gullit in MLS.
"We have signed a world-class coach and leader for this franchise, a soccer man who understands how the game is played and managed at the highest level." said Leiweke.
"Ruud will immediately put a system in place that will blend his instinct and knowledge of the game with the assets and talent that are part of the Galaxy franchise.
"Ruud is an exceptional leader whose commitment, character and experience make him the perfect fit for our team and our organisation."
Lalas added: "The high expectations and the competitive environment at the Galaxy demands strong personalities and confident leaders.
"Ruud Gullit possesses these qualities and more. Along with their world-class experience, we feel that Ruud and (assistant coach) Cobi Jones will build a successful and attractive team for our fans in 2008 and beyond."
Former US international and Galaxy's all-time top goalscorer Jones is delighted with his new role, following his retirement as a player.
"I could not be more excited about the opportunity to work with Ruud and Tim and stay within the Galaxy and AEG family and embark on this natural next step in my soccer career," said Jones.
"Our goal is to win championships."
Gullit added: "I need somebody alongside me who I can trust with a deep and respected knowledge of the game in the US and internationally.
"Cobi fits that bill perfectly, and I look forward to working with him as we aim to bring success on the pitch for the LA Galaxy."
The 45-year-old former Holland international was strongly linked with the Galaxy vacancy, following Frank Yallop's resignation - and was duly unveiled at a news conference at his new club's Home Depot Center ground.
"I have always looked to take on important challenges, and the opportunity to manage the LA Galaxy is an exiting opportunity at this stage in my career," said Gullit.
"MLS and (sponsors) AEG are making great progress at building upon the popularity of the game in the United States, and I want to play a major part in both bringing the club honours and helping to raise the profile of the game at home and on the world stage."
AEG chief executive Tim Leiweke and Galaxy president Alexi Lalas spoke of their hopes for Gullit in MLS.
"We have signed a world-class coach and leader for this franchise, a soccer man who understands how the game is played and managed at the highest level." said Leiweke.
"Ruud will immediately put a system in place that will blend his instinct and knowledge of the game with the assets and talent that are part of the Galaxy franchise.
"Ruud is an exceptional leader whose commitment, character and experience make him the perfect fit for our team and our organisation."
Lalas added: "The high expectations and the competitive environment at the Galaxy demands strong personalities and confident leaders.
"Ruud Gullit possesses these qualities and more. Along with their world-class experience, we feel that Ruud and (assistant coach) Cobi Jones will build a successful and attractive team for our fans in 2008 and beyond."
Former US international and Galaxy's all-time top goalscorer Jones is delighted with his new role, following his retirement as a player.
"I could not be more excited about the opportunity to work with Ruud and Tim and stay within the Galaxy and AEG family and embark on this natural next step in my soccer career," said Jones.
"Our goal is to win championships."
Gullit added: "I need somebody alongside me who I can trust with a deep and respected knowledge of the game in the US and internationally.
"Cobi fits that bill perfectly, and I look forward to working with him as we aim to bring success on the pitch for the LA Galaxy."
Copyright (c) Press Association
Related Articles
Emerging Socceroos star set to sign for MLS club
Postecoglou set to sign Socceroo at Celtic FC
