Galaxy could use Klinsmann touch!

By Frank Dell'Apa, Globe Staff | August 29, 2007

Not even Jurgen Klinsmann can solve all of the Los Angeles Galaxy's problems. But the addition of Klinsmann to Major League Soccer would be a step in the right direction for a league that needs high-level coaches as well as players.

The Galaxy (3-10-5, 14 points) spent the early part of the season waiting for David Beckham, but have not won a league game since he arrived. The ownership, Anschutz Entertainment Group, apparently losing faith in coach Frank Yallop, has not denied rumors about contacting Klinsmann, who has worked for the Galaxy as an adviser and resides near Newport Beach, Calif.

Klinsmann, who would be a good choice to be involved with any MLS team, could relate to the Beckham celebrity phenomenon and is equipped to absorb the attention and pressure. Klinsmann is also very good at making his employment terms clear.

It is also doubtful he would allow Beckham to do as much globe-trotting as he has. If Klinsmann were coaching the Galaxy, he would not have allowed Beckham to play 90 minutes for England against Germany at Wembley Stadium last Wednesday, then another 90 for the Galaxy against Chivas USA at the Home Depot Center the next night.

The Galaxy and MLS should be protecting their investment in Beckham instead of exposing him to burnout commitments. The Galaxy should also give up hope of making the MLS playoffs and start planning for next season.

The team has qualified for tonight's final of the SuperLiga against Pachuca at the Home Depot Center, but even the $1 million prize for winning would not compensate for mismanaging Beckham and failing to maintain the standards of a Galaxy team that won the MLS Cup and US Open Cup two years ago.

http://www.boston.com/sports/soccer/articles/2007/08/29/a_ruler_for_the_galaxy/