The Columbus Crew have interviewed fan favorite and club hero Guillermo Barros Schelotto to be the head club’s new head coach, according to a report.
The ColumbusDispatch reported on Friday that Barros Schelotto – who guided the Crew to their only MLS Cup in franchise history in 2008 – interviewed with club owner Anthony Precourt and general manager Mark McCullers more than a week ago.
The Crew declined comment to MLSsoccer.com when contacted on Friday.
Barros Schelotto, 40, spent four seasons with the Crew and won the league’s Most Valuable Player in 2008. He led the team to the Supporters’ Shield and MLS Cup title that year and to the Shield again in 2009 before eventually parting ways with the club after the 2010 season.
The Boca Juniors icon has served as the head coach of Argentinian side Lanús since 2010 and is under contract with the club until June 2014.
The Crew parted ways with longtime head coach Robert Warzycha in early September and have posted a 4-2-0 record under interim head coach and technical director Brian Bliss since the move. They take on the New England Revolution on Saturday (7:30 pm ET, MLS Live) needing a win to stay in contention for their first playoff berth since 2011.
Barros Schelotto, meanwhile, told FutbolMLS.com reporter Emmanuel Quispe in Argentina earlier this month that he was aware of the changing of the guard in Columbus, but that his obligations remained in Argentina.
"Yes, I know about the opening after Warzycha left," Barros Schelotto said. "The truth is I have nothing to say. I am happy at Lanús and I have a contract until June 2014. Obviously, in the future, of course I would like to return to MLS. But in this moment, the only thing I'm thinking of is Lanús."
The report in the Dispatch also indicates that Barros Schelotto has interviewed for the head coaching position with New York City FC, the MLS expansion franchise set to begin play in 2015. Real Salt Lake head coach Jason Kreis has also been linked to that position.
The Crew have also reportedly interviewed former goalkeeper Brad Friedel for their head coaching position next season.
