Mohammedan's new coach is Argentine-born Spaniard Varela

Mohammedan Sporting Club has appointed a new head coach ahead of the 2026-27 season. Argentine-born Spanish coach Fernando Santiago Varela, who has coaching experience in Indian football, has been handed over the responsibility of the black and white team.

Mohammedan Director and Director-in-Charge Lokman Hossain Bhuiyan confirmed the appointment of Varela as the head coach at a press briefing held at the club's boardroom today. Football team manager Amirul Islam Babu and other club officials were present at the time.

The 53-year-old Varela holds a UEFA Pro License. He has also achieved several successes in his coaching career in Indian football. In 2018, he took charge of Gokulam Kerala and led the club to the Kerala Premier League title. The following year, Gokulam won the Durand Cup under his leadership.

Varela then took charge of Churchill Brothers. In the 2020-21 season, the team finished runners-up in the I-League. In that season, Churchill Brothers won 8, drew 5 and lost 2 matches in 15 matches.

FC Bengaluru United also achieved success under Varela's coaching. In 19 matches, the team played under him with 12 wins, 3 draws and 4 losses. He also brought Bengaluru United the Stafford Challenge Cup title in 2023.

Varela was last in charge of SC de Goa in India. This time, he is challenged to take forward Mohammedan, one of the traditional clubs in Bangladesh, by utilizing his experience in Indian football.

Mohammedan has also strengthened the team considerably before the new season. They have brought 9 footballers to the team from Bashundhara Kings. Abdul Qayyum Sentu served as an interim coach in his place after the relationship with coach Alfaz Ahmed, who brought Mohammedan the league title at the end of last season, ended.

This time, the traditional club in Motijheel has put its trust in a foreign coach permanently. It remains to be seen how much success Mohammedan will have in the new season under Varela.