Fernando Santiago Varela

Fernando Andrés Santiago Varela (born 4 June 1973) is an Argentine-born Spanish football coach.

Coaching career Fernando Varela is a UEFA Pro Licence holder. before joining Gokulam. He is the author of the book Futbol Inteligente. In 2018 he was appointed as the head coach of Indian club Gokulam Kerala and won the Kerala Premier League, as well as Durand Cup season later. On 16 June 2020, he left Gokulam due to salary issues and the I-League performance.

Churchill Brothers After his successful spell with Gokulam Kerala, he moved to another I-League side Churchill Brothers in September 2020. Under his guidance, Churchill emerged as the runners-up of the 2020–21 I-League with 29 points. Although Churchill winning against Punjab, Gokulam Kerala were crowned champions courtesy of a better head-to-head record.

Sreenidi Deccan In 20 April 2021, Varela was appointed as the head coach of Sreenidi Deccan, one of the new I-League entrants.

Bengaluru United On 13 March 2023, it was officially announced that he was appointed as the head coach of FC Bengaluru United.

Sporting CG On October 17, 2025, it was officially announced by Indian club Sporting CG that they had hired Varela as head coach.

Statistics

TeamFromToRecordGWDLWin %Gokulam KeralaChurchill BrothersSreenidi DeccanChurchill BrothersBengaluru UnitedTotal

Honours Gokulam Kerala Kerala Premier League: 2017–18 Durand Cup: 2019 Churchill Brothers I-League runners-up: 2020–21 FC Bengaluru United Stafford Challenge Cup: 2023