LA Galaxy name Barros Schelotto as coach

Los Angeles (AFP) – Former Boca Juniors boss Guillermo Barros Schelotto was unveiled as the new head coach of the Los Angeles Galaxy by the franchise on Wednesday.

Barros Schelotto, 45, heads to Major League Soccer after leading Boca to the Copa Libertadores final last month, where they were beaten by Buenos Aires rivals River Plate.

Barros Schelotto had previously led Boca to two Argentine Primera Division championship victories.

He had also won the Copa Sudamericana during three seasons with Lanus.

“I am honored to be the head coach for the most decorated club in Major League Soccer,” Barros Schelotto said in a statement. 

“This is a tremendous opportunity for me and I am excited to get to work. The LA Galaxy have long been the standard in MLS and I am ready to push the club to new heights.”

Barros Schelotto had been linked to a move to MLS in reports last week. 

He had also been mentioned as a possible successor to fellow Argentine Gerardo “Tata” Martino, who stepped down as head coach of Atlanta United after clinching the MLS Cup last month.

Barros Schelotto is familiar with MLS after playing four seasons for Columbus Crew and helping the team win the 2008 MLS Cup crown.

“After a comprehensive search, domestically and internationally, we believe Guillermo will be a landmark signing for this club,” Galaxy general manager Dennis te Kloese said in a statement on Wednesday.

“Guillermo is a proven winner who has experience coaching, playing and winning for big clubs. It is our hope that Guillermo’s managing style and familiarity with MLS will bring trophies and championships to LA Galaxy fans and the city of Los Angeles,” te Kloese added.

Barros Schelotto will be tasked with revitalising the fortunes of the most decorated club in Major League Soccer history.

The club has won the MLS Cup five times, but has failed to reach the playoffs for the past two seasons.