Varela brings Indian experience to Mohammedan

 
Mohammedan Sporting Club have turned to Argentine-born Spanish coach Fernando Andrés Santiago Varela to lead their campaign in the 2026-27 season, bringing a coach with a proven track record in Indian club football to Bangladesh.

The 53-year-old UEFA Pro Licence holder's appointment was announced by Mohammedan director-in-charge Lokman Hossain Bhuiyan at a press briefing at the club's boardroom on Tuesday.

Varela first made his mark in Indian football with Gokulam Kerala, whom he guided to the Kerala Premier League title in 2018. During his second spell at the club, he added the prestigious Durand Cup in 2019, beating Mohun Bagan 2-1 in the final.

He subsequently took charge of Churchill Brothers, steering them to the runners-up spot in the 2020-21 I-League. Churchill collected 29 points under his guidance, finishing behind Gokulam Kerala.

Varela also coached Sreenidi Deccan before returning to Churchill Brothers. His next Indian assignment was FC Bengaluru United, whom he guided to the Stafford Challenge Cup in 2023. He later worked with Sporting Clube de Goa, having returned to Goa with ambitions of challenging for promotion to the I-League.

Mohammedan, meanwhile, are pulling out all the stops ahead of the new season. The traditional Black-and-Whites have reportedly recruited nine players from Bashundhara Kings, underlining their ambition to strengthen the squad.

With Varela at the helm and a revamped squad taking shape, Mohammedan will hope the new season marks the beginning of another chapter in the club's storied footballing journey.