Truth & Rumors > Soccer

Xavier: Gullit has too much power

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Former Galaxy defender Abel Xavier told the Insider tonight that his contract was guaranteed and, by waiving him, the club did not create any salary cap space. Xavier was due to make $156,000 this season. Through a team spokesman, Los Angeles GM Alexi Lalas declined to comment. During a 30-minute telephone conversation, Xavier, 35, also said the Galaxy's decision to waive him last week -- a story first reported on the Insider -- "was a personal issue and had nothing to do with football. [Coach] Ruud Gullit made a personal decision. He doesn't like me for a long time. ... He has too much power. You can't give that much power to a coach because you start to lose your identity as a club. The identity of the Galaxy should always prevail."

Washington Post

Ruud Gullit, Marty Melville/Getty Images Ruud Gullit, Marty Melville/Getty Images
July 22, 2008  06:03 AM ET

Even if you are right, whining about it to the media isn't going to make you more attractive to other teams, pal.

July 22, 2008  08:08 AM ET

Ehh, Abel have you watched game tapes buddy? There were plenty of reasons to waive you.

July 22, 2008  08:37 AM ET

X got waived because his play has been horrible....

Comment has been removed
July 22, 2008  09:53 AM ET

he does have really cool hair though!

July 22, 2008  10:07 AM ET

right on la-z-mike! This guy was just bad, I'd rather waive him and pay him that have his crapiness rub off on my other players. Also get a haircut.

July 22, 2008  10:11 AM ET

You got waived cause you suck.... but atleast you still get paid.

July 22, 2008  10:33 AM ET

Oh! Look mommy! He's picking on me again! He wants me to chase the ball! Boohoohoo! Wimp!

July 22, 2008  11:30 AM ET

Makes space to bring Solano over from the Prem.....

July 22, 2008  11:44 AM ET

is he honestly saying its a personal matter?? i couldnt count on 2 hands all the times he looked foolish and got beat by the opposing team which resulted in a goal...

good news: a weak link was removed from the league
bad news: teams will have to find a new route to score on LA.... obviously it wont be hard, but it was such an easy route

July 22, 2008  11:44 AM ET

This from Sky Sports News
" Midfielder Nolberto Solano could be set to link up with David Beckham at Los Angeles Galaxy. The Peruvian's agent has claimed the MLS side are interested in signing him following his release from West Ham."

July 22, 2008  12:42 PM ET

This guy was an embarrassment to defenders everywhere, even when he was doping. If I were the coach, I would have something personal against him as his terrible play cost them many games. What joke of a player will lalas bring in next? Good riddance!

July 22, 2008  01:52 PM ET

For??a Abel Xavier. Portugal est?? contigo!!!!

July 22, 2008  01:54 PM ET

Forca Abel Xavier. Portugal esta contigo!!!!

(i don??t know why we can??t use portuguese letters...)

July 22, 2008  02:40 PM ET

This guy needed to retire like 3 years ago. His play has been terrible all year. He was horrible with Middlesborrough in the EPL. I have no idea how he even lasted there a year ohh yeah the steroids---is the bleach blonde hair a side effect of steroid abuse?

July 22, 2008  04:27 PM ET

Terrible player. Deserved to get waived.

July 22, 2008  04:58 PM ET

haha, sucker!!!!! LA galaxy isnt even that good

July 22, 2008  05:34 PM ET

Alexi Lalas is the freakish result of a Ronald McDonald Carrot Top Love Session.

July 22, 2008  06:10 PM ET

I think Xavier is just going through a bit of an ego crisis resulting from the humiliation of getting cut from an MLS team because of poor play.

For a guy who has the sort of career resume he does with European clubs, this has got to be pretty sobering for him.

 
July 22, 2008  06:35 PM ET

This is way overdue. Xavier had to go. He was a liability out there.

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