A Coach Without Borders

With a career that has taken him across different corners of the world, Argentine Fernando Andrés Santiago Varela has left his mark on football in India, Afghanistan, and Spain. From his training at Marcet to coaching teams in international leagues, his journey is a true example of adaptability, learning, and constant growth.

Beginnings at Marcet

Fernando Varela’s story as a coach began at Marcet, where he arrived in 2011 to learn and develop. Like many young coaches, he started by gaining experience and understanding the academy’s methodology. “At the beginning, there were about 25 coaches, and what I did was identify the five best to learn from. I focused on their methodology and ideas and applied what I found most useful,” he recalls.

One of the concepts that most marked his formation at Marcet was positive reinforcement, something he still applies throughout his career. “I learned when to correct a player, when to speak, and when to let certain situations go. Positive reinforcement is essential, but you must know how to use it.” After some time at the academy, he managed to coach the first team, leading them to a championship title, and began mentoring other coaches by sharing what he had learned along the way.

The Leap to India

His first significant international experience took him to India, where he coached several teams and achieved important titles. Among his accomplishments, he highlights winning the Premier League and the Durand Cup and finishing league runner-up with Churchill Brothers.

One of his most significant accomplishments was building the Sreenidi Deccan FC team from scratch, helping seven players advance to the Indian Super League. In the club’s first season in the league, they finished in third place. He also worked at Bengaluru United, a club with ties to Sevilla FC, where the Spanish club’s board invited him to visit, share experiences, and learn from its structure.

“India was a challenge in many ways. It wasn’t always easy to find players and staff willing to listen and learn, but the growth is incredible when you do,” says Varela.

The Challenge of Coaching in Afghanistan

After India, Varela received an unexpected offer: to coach in Afghanistan. The contact came through the national team captain, Zohib Islam Amiri, who invited him to lead Abu Muslim FC. The challenge was not only sporting but also cultural, facing preconceived ideas about the country. “You have an idea of Afghanistan, but when I arrived, I found something completely different: kind, hospitable people with deep respect and passion for football.”

In his first season, he made history by winning the Afghanistan Champions League, qualifying the team for the AFC Cup (the Asian Cup). He coached ten national team players in a short but intense league. “The key was managing physical loads and the psychological side. Facing adversity in a fast-paced tournament is never easy, but the team responded incredibly well.”

Beyond sports success, his time in Afghanistan was a cultural awakening. What surprised him most was the respect and hospitality. “From day one, I was treated with incredible respect. They made me feel part of the culture—even gifting me traditional clothes as a symbol of appreciation.” He also met the Minister of Sports, who shared a powerful message: “People outside think we’re one way, but now you’ve seen how we are.”

Football in Afghanistan is lived with immense intensity. Every match becomes a significant event, with packed stadiums and dedicated fans. “When we played the derby against Attack Energy, getting into the stadium was a mission. There were over 20,000 fans, many of whom had traveled by bus from other cities to see the match.” The passion spilled into the streets. “When we arrived in Herāt after winning the league, about 500,000 people came out to celebrate. It was an incredible experience.”

Despite logistical and organizational challenges, Afghan football showed huge potential. Varela highlights the players’ quality and their eagerness to learn. “I found very competitive players, with strong character and great understanding of the game. Their willingness to learn made my job much easier.”

Looking to the Future

After qualifying for the AFC Cup, Abu Muslim FC wants to keep Varela as head coach. “The club wants us to continue together. We’re in talks. I want to stay in Afghanistan for now, but I’m also open to new challenges elsewhere.”

For Varela, every experience has been a chance to grow. “Coaching in different countries forces you to adapt, understand people, and stay flexible. The key is to remain humble and never stop learning.” With that mindset, he continues building bridges through football—exploring cultures, challenging perceptions, and proving that the sport connects people far beyond borders.