By Ivan Yeo
Chalk up another big fish for the LA Galaxy.
In perhaps its most important coaching search in franchise history, the Galaxy have found their man, as they have appointed former Argentine midfielder and Boca Juniors and Columbus Crew great Guillermo Barros Schelotto to be its next manager.
No doubt landing Schelotto is a major coup for new Galaxy General Manager Dennis te Klose. Since Bruce Arena left following the 2016 season, the Galaxy have struggled to maintain stability on the sidelines, going through three coaches over the last two seasons and the instability has clearly showed on the pitch, as the Galaxy have missed the playoffs the last two seasons, its worst stretch in a decade, when they missed the playoffs for three straight years (2006-2008).
The Galaxy are hoping for a repeat of what followed that miserable stretch, in which they won three MLS Cups, two Supporters Shields and made it as far as the semifinals of the CONCACAF Champions League in 2013, and they hope Schelotto can be the catalyst for another run of success. Schelotto is certainly no stranger to MLS, as he was of the first big names to arrive in MLS when he signed with the Columbus Crew in 2007, the same year David Beckham arrived with the Galaxy. Schelotto’s vision and passing made an immediate impact, as he registered 11 assists and five goals.
Schelotto had a banner year the following season in 2008, as he had 19 assists and seven goals and was instrumental in helping the Crew win both the Supporters Shield and the MLS Cup title. Schelotto won regular season MVP honors and assisted on all three of the Crew’s goals in the 3-1 win over the New York Red Bulls in the final to nab Man of the Match honors. Schelotto played two more years with the Crew before finishing his career in Argentina.
Schelotto moved to coaching shortly after his career ended, making his biggest impact with his old club, leading Boca Juniors to Argentine Primera titles in 2016-17 and 2017-18.
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