Monday, August 11, 2008

Galaxy release

The Galaxy just sent out a press release with all the pertinent information regarding Ruud Gullit and Alexi Lalas. It doesn't really give much information (these types of press releases normally don't) other than to confirm these reports.

The release had some quotes from Tim Leiweke regarding both the ex-coach and ex-GM.


Press release quotes of course are always a bit suspect. It's not that I don't believe the person's sentiments but you wonder how many eyes that went through before being sent out. For instance, there are guys whose English is not their first language and speak with thick accents who come out sounding like an English professor in a press release.

Anyway, here's what Leiweke said and what I think he may have initially meant before the release was likely cleaned up and sent out.

Both parties have agreed on mutually-agreeable terms to part company. 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.

What he may have meant: This is good because he was going to get fired anyway. We still have some respect for him but that was slipping - I mean, come on, how the heck can you lose to San Jose? Hopefully he hasn't screwed things up too much for this club.

With [Ruud] moving on, we believe that this is the right time to make more sweeping changes throughout the organization. Our commitment continues to be focused on not only winning the MLS Cup this and every season but to build a club capable of competing at the international level. This decision (to relieve Alexi of his duties) is the right one for the organization, the right one for the players and the right one for our fans.

What he may have meant: There was no better time than now to fire Alexi, but then again we could have said that on any given day during the last two years. Our focus is not MLS Cup... I mean, not just MLS Cup, but rather peddling friendly games overseas. And if we can't even compete in a league foreigners think is third-rate, what makes us think we can market this team abroad?


4 comments:

Unknown said...

Haha! Good form L.B. I'm fairly certain you're stuck inside Timmy's brain.

Joseph D'Hippolito said...

Evidence that Leiweke is a total scumbag, from his own remarks:

The fact is, the players have to look deep inside themselves and understand they have to be responsible for some of this.

Players don't make personnel decisions, Timmy. Neither do they decide to be a "superclub" before they have the resources to do so. Management does, Timmy. That means you, asshole! You hired Lalas in the first place despite the fact that he demonstrated neither business acumen nor the ability to evaluate talent. And you let Beckham's handlers hire Gullit, despite his complete lack of familiarity w/American soccer.

Am I angry we find ourselves in the situation we find ourselves in? Yes. This is not a fun week. The Galaxy hasn't made the playoffs for a couple years. Punting on this season is not acceptable. It starts Thursday.

You punted on this season when you kept Lalas, allowed Xavier to stay and allowed Gullit to be hired, Timmy.

I appreciate Cobi's stepping in. The one guy's loyalty and passion over there I don't question is his. I think we have eliminated any and all excuses now. No one can point any fingers.

So, Timmy, are you questioning Beckham's "loyalty and passion"? Aren't you BFF's w/him and his agent?

Alexi's been with us a long time. I'm very appreciative of everything he's done for the Galaxy. That one is painful...You can't blame Alexi entirely. I do think we need a fresh start.

Despite the fact that Lalas didn't know how to operate under a salary cap, couldn't judge talent and was the person most responsible for turning this franchise into a laughing stock, you call his firing "painful," Timmy? Maybe it pains you because it demonstrates that you have no ability to evaluate executive talent?!?!?

Then again, we all know what you did for the Kings, don't we, Timmy?

Do us a favor, you ignorant schweinhund: Stop blaming others and look in the mirror. This debacle has your fingerprints all over it.

While you're at it, consider yourself fortunate that you do not live in medieval Japan. After your incompetent management, you would be the perfect candidate for seppuku.

Joseph D'Hippolito said...

BTW, everybody, I made five predictions before the season began:

1. The Galaxy would finish last in the Western Conference

2. The Galaxy would not win 10 games

3. The Galaxy would concede at least 60 goals this season

4. Xavier would be gone by the end of the season.

5. Gullit would resign by the end of the season.

Predictions 4 and 5 are now fact. Prediction 3 is practically a certainty. The first two don't seem to be unreasonable at this stage.

P.S.: Feel free to contact me if you need help w/selecting lottery numbers! ;D

Joseph D'Hippolito said...

One more thing:

Anybody hiring a contractor to build a disco over Bozo the Mad Genius' professional grave?

As I write this, I'm listening to Tone Loc's "Wild Thang."

Bozo is gone. TIME TO PARTAY, BABY!!