Buenos Aires, Jan 3 (IANS): Boca Juniors have named Gustavo Alfaro as their new head coach after the departure of Guillermo Barros Schelotto to the LA Galaxy.

Alfaro left his post as coach of Boca's Superliga Argentina rivals Huracan to take charge of the Buenos Aires giants on a two-year contract, reports Xinhua news agency.

"It wasn't an easy decision because I was torn inside," the 56-year-old told reporters late on Wednesday.

"It makes me proud because I'm delivering on a promise to my old man. I promised him I'd make it to the biggest (club) in Argentine football."

Alfaro has won five trophies since beginning his coaching career in 1992.

"Boca Juniors are obliged to win every competition in which we play and we know that we have big challenges ahead," he added.

Barros Schelotto left Boca by mutual consent following the team's loss to their Buenos Aires rivals River Plate in the Copa Libertadores final last month.

Alfaro's first match in charge will be a visit to Newell's Old Boys in Rosario on January 27.