Beckham hype gives Galaxy trouble

Beckham will sign for LA Galaxy on Friday

Los Angeles Galaxy president Alexi Lalas believes David Beckham's imminent arrival has had an "adverse effect" on the Major League Soccer side.

Beckham, 32, will be unveiled on Friday, with the midfielder's club near the bottom of the western division.

"It has had an adverse effect on us but we need to get used to the situation," said Lalas.

And he also warned against unrealistic expectations, adding: "It will take a while for Beckham to adjust."

Beckham agreed the move to Galaxy in January but saw out the Spanish season with Real Madrid and helped the club clinch the title.

The former England captain could make his debut in a friendly against Chelsea on 21 July because the Blues are set to face Galaxy as part of their tour of the United States.

The pressure has been ratcheted up since the announcement LA Galaxy president Alexi Lalas

Lalas added: "We recognise it will not all go perfectly and a part of my job is to manage expectations.

"We are going to win with David Beckham and we are going to lose with David Beckham. We will not win every single game and he is not going to score five goals every single game.

"People will appreciate just watching him live and seeing why he is such a great player.

"This is unlike any year that any MLS team has ever had. It's unique in terms of the attention, the scheduling, the pressure, the focus and the scrutiny.

"Without a doubt, the pressure has been ratcheted up since the announcement. The eyes of the world are upon us now and we want to make sure we use that to our gain. It's all been crazy - but a good crazy."