At the turn of the New Year, LA Galaxy announced Guillermo Barros Schelotto as their new manager. He joins Frank de Boer as one of the most high profile managerial signings this offseason. Schelotto joins Galaxy after losing out in that famous 2018 Copa Libertadores final vs River Plate.
Despite that disappointment, the MLS legend’s appointment should excite LA Galaxy fans. well tell you why in this tactical analysis.
Managerial history
Schelotto is a young but experienced manager. The 45-year-old began managing in 2012, a year after retiring. His first job came at Lanus from a midtable club to one which finished in the top four in all but one of the seasons he was there. With LA Galaxy missing out on the MLS play-offs for two straight years, this experience could be vital in taking them back up the Western Conference.
After problems off the field meant he would only be Palermo manager for a month, he returned to Boca Juniors, where he spent ten years as a player.
Even though he left Boca in heartbreak last month, his time there as a manager was successful. In his first two seasons at the club, he handled the pressure well and won back-to-back league titles. However, it didn’t look like that would be the case this season as Boca remain outside the top four.
Furthermore, what makes Schelotto a significant acquisition is that he has MLS experience. From 2007-2010, he played under the late LA Galaxy manager Sigi Schmit. In those three years, Schelotto was instrumental to the side, winning the MLS Supporters Shield twice as winning the MLS Cup and MLS MVP in 2008. So it’s clear that he knows how to win in this league.
Style of play: Attacking
Coming from Boca, Schelotto’s style is attacking, yet quite old school in the freedom he gives his forward players. Typically they aren’t forced into specific roles, however, there is a recognisable style.
In his two-and-a-half seasons at Boca, Schelotto primarily set them out in a 4-3-3. In his two full seasons, Schelotto used a 4-3-3, 46% of the time in 2016/17 and 42% in 2017/18 according to wyscout.
The midfield was made of two attacking midfielders anchored by a holding midfielder. The frontline consisted of a striker and unpredictable wingers who could cut in and play the traditional role. This allowed Boca to cut through teams centrally before exposing them out wide. A move that is demonstrated below.
Here, we see how incisive Boca could be under Schelotto. This is where they were able to attack at their best. When attacking like this, they were able to progress upfield naturally. Furthermore, there was always an available option. This is something they lacked against River Plate in the Copa Libertadores where a lot of their play was through the wings.
Style of play: Defending
However, as everyone knows, its what’s done off the ball that counts. Last season despite having Zlatan Ibrahimovic star up front, the Galaxy’s defence let them down. In a season where playoffs are a must, it’s imperative they improve defensively.
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