LA Galaxy hire ex-Boca Juniors boss Guillermo Barros Schelotto as manager

The LA Galaxy have hired former Boca Juniors boss Guillermo Barros Schelotto as their new manager.

"I am honored to be the head coach for the most decorated club in Major League Soccer," said Schelotto of the appointment.

"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."

Schelotto arrives in Los Angeles having led Boca Juniors to the Copa Libertadores final, where they fell to Buenos Aires rivals River Plate. He led Boca to two Primera Division titles in his two-and-a-half years in charge of the club.

Schelotto spent four seasons in MLS as a player, signing with the Columbus Crew as their first ever designated player, and leading the franchise to its first and only MLS Cup in 2008, adding Supporters' Shields that year and in 2009.

"After a comprehensive search, domestically and internationally, we believe Guillermo will be a landmark signing for this club," said Galaxy general manager Dennis te Kloese.

"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."

The 45-year-old's appointment follows a period of restructuring for the Galaxy. The club appointed former director of Mexico national teams Dennis te Kloese as its general manager, and set about finding a new manager to replace Sigi Schmid, who was relieved of his duties last summer.

Negotiations were held with former Portland Timbers boss Caleb Porter earlier in December, but the sides couldn't reach an agreement.