A former Real Madrid man finds a new job! | OneFootball

An ex-Real Madrid coach signs in Greece!

A former Real Madrid man finds a new job!

Rafa Benítez’s coaching odyssey enters a new chapter. The Spanish tactician, a free agent since leaving Celta Vigo in 2024, has put pen to paper with Panathinaikos, the iconic Greek football club. At 65, the former Real Madrid and Liverpool boss returns to familiar territory: taking on projects in need of a rebuild.

A bold gamble for the Athens club

Struggling since the start of the season, Panathinaikos is banking on Benítez’s experience and tactical discipline to breathe new life into a faltering side. Sitting seventh in the league and recently beaten by Feyenoord in the Europa League, the "Shamrock" club is hoping for an immediate shock effect. The official statement speaks of a "new era" under the guidance of a coach with an "exceptional track record." And Benítez’s CV certainly commands respect: Champions League winner with Liverpool in 2005, UEFA Cups with Valencia and Chelsea, Club World Cup with Inter Milan… Few managers can boast such an impressive trophy haul.

In Greece, the Spaniard arrives with his full backroom staff and a clear mission: to restore Panathinaikos to prominence both domestically and in Europe. After managing some of Europe’s giants, Benítez embraces one last challenge—proving he can still turn a team searching for its identity into a dominant force.