Chivas Guadalajara fires Cruyff

MEXICO CITY (AP)

Dutch football great Johan Cruyff, a former Barcelona coach, has been fired as an adviser to Guadalajara club Chivas.

The club released a statement on Sunday saying Cruyff's contract ''had been terminated.'' The move came just nine months after Cruyff was hired to help turn around the slumping Mexican side.

Dutch football great Johan Cruyff, a former Barcelona coach, has been fired as an adviser to Guadalajara club Chivas.

The club released a statement on Sunday saying Cruyff's contract ''had been terminated.'' The move came just nine months after Cruyff was hired to help turn around the slumping Mexican side.

Chivas said the team's coaching staff would remain in place.

The club reached the recent first-division playoffs, but was knocked out in the first round.

Chivas owner Jorge Vergara hired Cruyff, who said at the time that he had received a three-year contract to work as a part-time adviser. At the time Cruyff, called for patience and said he was not interested in coaching the club.

Cruyff's first move was to recommend that Dutchman John Van't Ship replace Ignacio Ambriz.

''The coaching staff will not be changed,'' Chivas said.

Chivas has won 11 league titles, more than any Mexican club, but has struggled in recent seasons. Vergera has been searching for a way to fill the club's new stadium and generate fan enthusiasm.