CF Montreal wasted little time in hiring its new head coach with the 2023 MLS season right around the corner.

Hernan Losada was appointed as CF Montreal’s new manager on Wednesday, returning as an MLS head coach. Losada, 40, previously served as head coach of D.C. United from 2021-22, posting a 16-19-5 record with the Eastern Conference club.

“We were looking for a coach who could continue the sporting project we have been building since my arrival in 2020 and we are convinced that Hernán checks all the boxes at this level,” said CF Montréal Vice-President and Chief Sporting Officer Olivier Renard. “With the philosophy put forward at the Club over the past few years, both on and off the field, we are very pleased with our choice.”

Losada also managed Belgian club Beerschot, taking over as manager in October 2020. He led the club to promotion into the Pro League (first division), finishing as a Coach of the Year finalist that season.

As a pro player from 2003-2018, Losada scored 101 goals and added 55 assists in 370 games. He made his professional debut with Club Atlético Independiente of Argentina in 2003 before eventually featuring for Beerschot, Anderlecht, Heerenveen, among many other clubs.

CF Montreal watched as Wilfried Nancy left his role as head coach to join the Columbus Crew earlier this offseason. The Canadian club has also said goodbye to several key starters including Djordje Mihailovic, Alistair Johnstone, Ismael Kone, and Kamal Miller.