With just over four months since taking charge, Spanish coach Fernando Valera has parted ways Gokulam Kerala ahead of the 2018-19 I-League season.

The Spaniard has returned home citing personal reasons according to club's owner V. C. Praveen.

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"He had some issues back home. Initially, he had wanted to bring his family down to India and then he decided against it," said Praveen.

Valera was brought in as a replacement for Bino George at the end of its debut campaign in May and had immediately led the side to Kerala Premier League success.

Praveen, the director of Sree Gokulam group of companies, praised Valera's work, however, stated that there was "language barrier" between the coach and the players.

On the replacement, he said, "We have shortlisted few names (for a new coach). We will decide in the coming days."

Gokulam, who finished seventh in the I-League last season, was knocked out in the group stages of the AWES Cup held in Goa last month.

The club participated in pre-season friendlies against Indian Super League sides where it defeated ATK before losing to FC Pune City and Bengaluru FC.