Gokulam Kerala FC have announced that head coach Fernando Santiago Varela will not be continuing his role at the club. The process to appoint a new manager is underway.

The Argentine-Spanish coach had two stints with Malabarians – in 2017/18 and 2019/20 season. In the first season he won the Kerala Premier League and had to return back to Spain due to personal reasons before the start of the I-League season.

He returned to Gokulam Kerala FC next season and helped the club win the prestigious Durand Cup. He also helped the club reach the semifinal of the Sheikh Kamal International Cup held at Chittagong in Bangladesh. Further, he mounted an exciting I-League challenge but had an abrupt end due to Covid-19 pandemic.

Throughout his career at Gokulam Kerala FC he helped to develop many exciting young players. The Gokulam Kerala FC management thanked Fernando Santiago for the achievement.

“We would like to sincerely thank Fernando for what he has achieved at the club. His contribution to the club is significant and will never be forgotten. During his tenure at Gokulam, he has worked hard and we express our gratitude for the achievements he made for the club,” said V.C. Praveen, the president of Gokulam Kerala FC.

“The search for a new manager is underway and we hope to make an appointment in a decisive and timely manner,” the president further said.

“I want to thank the club for having trusted me, firstly thanking the president, the players and all the Staff. Wishing the best to Gokulam Kerala FC and also a special hug for all the fans,” said Fernando Santiago Varela.