The LA Galaxy officially named Guillermo Barros Schelotto as their new head coach Wednesday. Schelotto joins the club from Boca Juniors, where he lead the side to two Argentine Primera Division titles in three years.
“I am honored to be the head coach for the most decorated club in Major League Soccer,” said Schelotto in the club’s release. “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.”
The LA Galaxy had not had an official head coach since September when Sigi Schmid stepped down. Last week, the L.A. Times reported Schelotto’s impending hire. Dominic Kinnear filled the role during the interim and was one of the candidates considered for the permanent position.
As a player, Schelotto spent 10 years with Boca Juniors, helping the team to six league titles and four Copa Libertadores titles during that time. In 2007, he made the move to MLS, joining the Columbus Crew. With the Crew, he won the 2008 MLS Cup and Supporter Shields in 2008 and 2009. He was also named MLS MVP and MLS Cup MVP in 2008.
He began his coaching career in 2012 with Club Atletico Lanus of Argentina, where he coached for four years until joining Boca Juniors as head coach in 2016.
“After a comprehensive search, domestically and internationally, we believe Guillermo will be a landmark signing for this club,” LA Galaxy general manager Dennis te Kloese said in a statement released by the club. “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.”