LOS ANGELES – As Guillermo Barros Schelotto was unveiled as head coach of the LA Galaxy, he paid tribute to the late Sigi Schmid, the man that brought him to Major League Soccer more than a decade ago.
Schmid passed away on Christmas Day at the age of 65 leaving behind a storied legacy as one of American soccer’s greats. It was Schmid that brought Schelotto to MLS in 2007, where the two men helped Columbus Crew SC win the 2008 MLS Cup.
The two men stayed in contact throughout the years after Schmid departed Ohio, with the late Galaxy boss even visiting a Boca Juniors vs. River Plate match during Schelotto’s time at the helm in Buenos Aires.
On Thursday, as he accepted his position as the new Galaxy boss, Schelotto made special note of Schmid’s importance in his life.
“He was very important to me. He brought me here and opened the door for me in MLS," Schelotto told LAGalaxy.com. "I remember as a head coach who always tried to win and play offensive soccer, but I also remember him as a person too. He always helped me, and I have really good memories about him and his family. I just want to say thank you.”
