LAFC loses director of soccer operations to Spain – Daily News

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Less than two years after taking over as the Los Angeles Football Club’s first Director of Soccer Operations, Marco Antonio Garcés decided to leave for Spain.

Garcés, 50, has accepted the role of sporting director of La Liga side Celta Vigo, LAFC announced on Tuesday.

The club confirmed that a search is underway to find his replacement.

The departure marks the second high-profile loss for LAFC’s front office this year, following Will Kuntz’s defection to the LA Galaxy in April. Kuntz was officially named Galaxy’s general manager on December 5th.

Prior to Kuntz’s departure, he and Garces operated as No. 2 behind LAFC co-chairman and general manager John Sorrington.

Garces was heavily involved in all personnel changes, with a focus on coordinating LAFC’s academy, overseeing scouting, and launching LAFC2.

In a statement accompanying the news of Garces’ new opportunity, which he did not want, Torrington said the former Liga MX star and Mexico international Garces said, “I will never be in the world of soccer.” “One of the best people I’ve ever met.”

Garcés comes to LAFC after spending 11 years with Club de Fútbol Pachuca in Liga MX, where he served as sporting director and chief scout. His experience building Pachuca’s productive academy system was touted upon his arrival in Los Angeles ahead of LAFC’s 2022 double championship season.

“We are extremely grateful for the great work Marco has done with us,” Torrington said. “His experience and expertise were critical in building a history-making team.”

Garces is moving from one of MLS’s top teams to take over a struggling La Liga team. Eighteen games into the current La Liga season, Celta Vigo find themselves in the relegation zone, having been ranked 18th out of 20 teams during their 12 consecutive years playing in the Spanish First Division. .