LA Galaxy Seek to Protect Beckham
Lalas Warns Steve McLaren over Selection for England Friendly Games
May 28, 2007
LA Galaxy have sought to protect their investment by warning England manager, Steve McLaren, against selecting David Beckham for meaningless friendly internationals.
Beckham Signs for LA Galaxy
In January, David Beckham agreed to go to Los Angeles to play for LA Galaxy in the American Major League Soccer . It was a great coup for the American club to sign a player of Beckham’s stature at such a stage of his career. Beckham, the former Manchester United star, who is only 32 years of age had led his country in the World Cup finals in Germany the previous summer. Following the tournament he resigned as captain of England and although still available to play, new manager McLaren decided to dispense with his services and plan for the future. Unfortunately for Beckham his third season with Real Madrid did not start well and told by Real manager, Fabio Capello, that he wouldn’t play for the team again, Beckham opted for the move to the American soccer League and agreed to sign a five year deal with LA Galaxy that was worth £128 million.
Beckham's Resurgence of Form
However, since that low point in January when his career in top class football appeared to be over, Beckham has been recalled to the Real Madrid team which has made a late challenge for the Primera Liga title. A sequence of nine wins from ten games has lifted them to the top of the table, level on points with Barcelona, with only two games remaining. Beckham’s form has been such that he warranted a recall to international football and as England have struggled, Steve McLaren has taken the decision to select Beckham for the two Internationals in the next eight days.
With Aaron Lennon’s withdrawal from the England squad, David Beckham is likely to start the game against Brazil at Wembley and quite probably retain his position for the vital European qualifying game against Estonia. This would mark a considerable turn round even for someone of Beckham’s status.
Now back in the media spotlight, stories appear regularly about Beckham, including suggestions that some Premiership sides may be interested in taking him on loan during the close season in America.
LA Galaxy Concerns
This has raised concerns on the Pacific coast of America where LA Galaxy officials are anxious to protect their investment. LA Galaxy general manager, Alexi Lalas, has expressed concern about the possibility of Beckham being required for friendly international matches with the travel involved from Los Angeles to Europe. However, because of FIFA regulations, Beckham must be released for England matches but he questioned the need for him to travel for matches of little importance.
He is concerned that having invested so heavily to sign Beckham, their investment would be harmed with unnecessary travel. On the question of Beckham playing in the Premiership during the American close season, the Galaxy coach, Frank Yallop, was immediately dismissal of any such arrangement. He ruled out the suggestion of a loan deal, stating that during the winter Beckham would be taking a rest and preparing for the club’s pre-season.
The signing of Beckham has created tremendous interest for LA Galaxy who have sold thousands of season tickets on the strength of Beckham joining them in July when his contract with Real Madrid ends and the club want to ensure they get value for their money and that Beckham is focused on their season and not distracted by other issues.
The David Beckham ‘media show’ is unexpectedly back on the road following his recall to the England team and with Real Madrid’s sitting atop the Spanish League in sight of their first title win in four years.
