By DAN KARELL
It’s no secret that Guillermo Barros Schelotto is itching for a return to Major League Soccer, and if the latest reports are any sign of things to come, it could happen as soon as this winter.
According to a report from the Columbus Dispatch, Schelotto interviewed for the head coaching position with both the Columbus Crew and New York City FC recently. The report states that he spoke with Crew owner Anthony Precourt and President and General Manager Mark McCullers in a phone interview. McCullers declined to confirm or deny the report in the Dispatch or via official communication through the club.
NYC FC are looking for their first coach to lead the team when they join MLS in 2015 and were recently linked with Real Salt Lake head coach Jason Kreis.
The 40-year-old Schelotto starred for the Crew between 2007-2010, winning MLS Cup with the club in 2008 as well as being named league MVP with seven goals and 19 assists in 27 games played. Schelotto is currently the head coach of Primera Division side Lanus, in his home country of Argentina.
Since parting ways with Robert Warzycha on September 2, the Crew have been looking for a full-time replacement, with Brian Bliss taking charge as interim head coach in the meantime. Under Bliss, the Crew are 4-2-0 and sit five points out of the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference with two games remaining this season.
Earlier this month, Schelotto acknowledged to FutbolMLS that he knew about the job opening in Columbus but said that he was under contract with Lanus until June 2014 and didn’t want to discuss a move. However, he did admit that he’d like to return to MLS in the future.
In a separate report on October 8, Grant Wahl reported that current Tottenham goalkeeper and Ohio native Brad Friedel had already been interviewed for the head coaching position. The Crew declined to comment on the report.
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What do you think of this report? Do you see Schelotto returning to MLS with the Crew? Do you believe he would return prior to June 2014? Think NYC FC have any chance of hiring him?
Share your thoughts below.