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Report: Crew legend Schelotto emerges as coaching candidate for LAFC

Los Angeles FC is less than a year away from taking the field, and the club is reportedly zeroing in on an MLS legend as a potential head coaching candidate.

According to Sports Illustrated, former Columbus Crew star Guillermo Barros Schelotto has emerged as a candidate to take over the upcoming expansion club. LAFC has also been linked to Bob Bradley and has reportedly had discussions with the former U.S. Men’s National Team boss.

Schelotto currently manages Argentinian powerhouse Boca Juniors, where he played from 1997-2007. Following his playing career with the club, he moved to the Crew, where he led the club to the 2008 MLS Cup while earning MVP and MLS Cup MVP honors.

After retiring in 2011, Schelotto took charge of Argentinian side Lanus one year later, leading the club to the 2013 Copa Sudamerica title. In Jan. 2016, Schelotto was hired by Italian side Palermo, but the Argentinian coach left the club just one month later after UEFA refused to award him the coaching badges required to manage the club.

Comments

      • Peter Nowak the player led the Chicago Fire to MLS Cup victory in 1998 (his first year in MLS). In 2004, Peter Nowak the manager led DC United to MLS Cup victory. “With the victory, Nowak became the first man in Major League Soccer history to win a MLS Cup as both a player and a head coach.” (wikipedia)

        GBS the player led the Columbus Crew to MLS Cup victory in 2008 (his second year in MLS). I compare these two players. I think GBS will be like Nowak and also taste MLS Cup victory as a coach.

  1. Anyone else think this is a bit of a result of Tata at ATL? Maybe LAFC is planning on having several roster (and potential DP) spots for South American players, and I’m sure his name will sell those players more than Bradley’s. I don’t know what his coaching style is, but I like the idea from a fan’s standpoint.

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    • Maybe it has to with GBS having had an outstanding career as a professional player, his history with MLS and the fact that he is now coaching a traditional South American power in Boca Juniors. The team that Tati Martinez has put together can’t hurt.

      Brad Bobbley’s pathetic stint at Swansea may be a contributing factor.

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    • I don’t forsee Bradley returning to MLS with his tail between his legs at this juncture. I imagine he’s still trying to land a job in Europe.

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  2. Almost unequivocally, loathe older DP’s in MLS, but Schelotto was a pro’s pro during his time in MLS. I think would be a great hire for LAFC.

    Also of note, he’d be leaving a storied club like Boca Juniors for an MLS club (and an expansion one at that). That’s certainly something to appreciate from an MLS-fan perspective.

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    • He’s been a good pipeline for players coming into MLS, even if he’s just encouraging them to check it out. I think he still has a pretty good pulse on what’s going on here and would be a great hire! Just jealous that he wouldn’t be coming back to the Crew!

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