Fernando Santiago Varela retains post of head coach of Gokulam Kerala FC
Spanish coach Fernando Santiago Varela has returned as the head coach of I-League side Gokulam Kerala FC ahead of the upcoming 2019 season. Previously, Fernando has also coached Barcelona-based side FC Gava before joining the Kerala franchise at the start of last year’s domestic league.
Spanish coach Fernando Santiago Varela has returned as the coach of Kozhikode-based outfit Gokulam Kerala FC. Fernando has taken over from Gift Raikhan, who has returned to Neroca FC after joining Gokulam midway through last I-League, replacing Bino George. Bino was in charge of the team after Varela’s first stint lasted only a few months last year. Bino remains as the team’s technical director.
The Spaniard, who has previously coached Barcelona-based side FC Gava, revealed that he is honoured to be back in Kerala and has big plans with the team as they aim for great things in the season ahead.
“It is a great honour to be back. I had some unavoidable circumstances in Spain and had to leave before the I-League started. Now I am back.
“We will be vying for top honours this season. Already the players have started fitness sessions and now I will oversee the training sessions. We have to prepare well for the Durand Cup. It is great to be back here and now I have got a historic tournament as my first assignment,” Varela is quoted as saying by a press release.
Meanwhile, Gokulam Kerala FC president VC Praveen added that his side is aiming for glory this season as they expect a strong start will help boost their promotion chances by the end of 2019.
“Gokulam will aim high this season with the foreign coach and his expertise in football will surely help us to aim for glory this year. The coach came late because there was some delay in getting the visa. He is now ready. It is great to see him back with Gokulam and we expect a good start this season,” added Praveen.
