(CNN) -- Dutch legend Ruud Gullit has resigned as coach of struggling MLS side Los Angeles Galaxy for personal reasons, while general manager Alexi Lalas has been sacked by the club.
Gullit has quit as coach of LA Galaxy after poor recent results left the team struggling to reach the playoffs.
The Galaxy have gone seven matches without a victory, despite the presence of England superstar David Beckham in their side, and currently lie 11th in the 14-team standings.
Gullit will be succeeded on a temporary basis by former United States international Cobi Jones.
Jones, 37, retired last season after spending his entire career with the Galaxy, and is in his first season on the club's coaching staff.
"We are stepping up and doing what we need to do to straighten this thing out," Galaxy investor Tim Leiweke told The Associated Press.
"There are two good people that for different reasons aren't part of this organization today, and that's a shame," Leiweke added.
"The fact is, the players have to look deep inside themselves and understand they have to be responsible for some of this.
"The Galaxy have not made the playoffs for a couple years. Punting on this season is not acceptable and we must regroup for Thursday's match against Chivas USA.
"I think this was a tough move professionally and personally for Ruud," Leiweke added. "I don't think it was working out for him and his family. I have no issues with Ruud, I appreciate what he's done for us. And we move on."
"I think because of the Ruud situation, it was an opportunity to once and for all look for a fresh start," Leiweke said about Lalas' departure.
"Alexi's been with us a long time. I'm very appreciative of everything he's done for the Galaxy. That one is painful. We haven't made the playoffs for two years running, and we're heading for a third year. You can't blame Alexi entirely. I do think we need a fresh start."
Leiweke revealed that Tom Payne, who has served as Lalas' assistant, will run the business side of the team. Paul Bravo, the director of football, will work with Jones on personnel decisions.
Lalas left a similar position with the New York Red Bulls to join the Galaxy on April 17, 2006, as the successor to Doug Hamilton, who died of a heart attack.
The 45-year-old Gullit signed a three-year contract last November, making him one of the MLS' higest-paid coaches, following the departure of Frank Yallop to the San Jose Earthquakes.
Gullit brought with him lofty credentials as the former Newcastle and Feyenoord coach, but failed to turn around the fortunes of the Galaxy. The 45-year-old is thought to have been left frustrated by the limitations imposed by MLS regulations, notably the salary cap.
In a statement, Gullit also cited the difficulties of relocating his family to California. "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."
