Former Liverpool manager set to return to European football | OneFootball

Rafa Benitez Returns to Management with Panathinaikos Move

Rafa Benitez is set to embark on the next chapter of his storied managerial career, with reports in Greece confirming that the Spaniard will take charge of Panathinaikos on a two-year deal. The appointment, expected to be made official in the coming days, marks Benitez’s 17th managerial role and his first in Greek football.

Panathinaikos Turn to Experience

After 19 months out of the game, Benitez has accepted an offer that will reportedly make him the highest-paid manager in the history of Greek football. According to De Telegraaf, negotiations were finalised in London with Panathinaikos president Giannis Alafouzos, with the 65-year-old agreeing terms worth approximately £3.47 million per year.

The decision to hire Benitez comes as Panathinaikos seek stability and renewed ambition in a season that has begun inconsistently. Currently seventh in the Super League Greece table with nine points from six matches, they sit eight points behind leaders PAOK but with a game in hand. The Athens club will hope that Benitez’s tactical acumen and vast European experience can reignite their challenge for domestic honours and strengthen their Europa League campaign.

Record-Breaking Appointment in Greece

Panathinaikos’ move for Benitez represents a statement of intent. The club, once a dominant force in Greek football, have struggled to maintain that status in recent years amid financial and sporting challenges. By securing a coach who has managed Liverpool, Real Madrid, Chelsea, Inter Milan and Napoli, Panathinaikos are signalling their desire to re-establish themselves as a competitive presence both at home and abroad.

Sources in Greece indicate that Benitez has requested a short delay before officially taking the reins, allowing him to relocate to Athens and assess his new environment. As a result, he will not be on the touchline for the upcoming Europa League fixture against Feyenoord.

Feyenoord manager Robin van Persie commented on the timing of Benitez’s arrival, saying: “We’ve mapped everything out and have a good idea of how Panathinaikos play because the interim coach has been in place for a while. If Benitez had taken over now, things could have gone either way. Personally, I’m glad Benitez isn’t here yet; otherwise, you have to take everything into account.”

A Distinguished Career

For Benitez, the move to Greece adds another chapter to a remarkable career that has spanned over three decades. His managerial résumé includes two La Liga titles and a UEFA Cup with Valencia, a Champions League and FA Cup with Liverpool, a FIFA Club World Cup with Inter Milan, and a Europa League triumph at Chelsea.

His most recent position, at Celta Vigo, ended in March 2024 after a difficult spell that saw the club narrowly avoid relegation. Despite that setback, Benitez remained eager for another opportunity in European football.

In a recent interview, he reflected on his enduring passion for management: “Sometimes to be described as ‘a legend’ is very nice, but also complicated. It is bad for a coach to be seen as retired. People still ask me, ‘Do you want to coach?’ For sure, I do, particularly in England and Europe. I do not want people to think I am finished. I am still evolving.”

New Challenge in Athens

Now, Benitez arrives in Athens with a point to prove. His wealth of experience, tactical precision and reputation for discipline will be key assets as Panathinaikos look to challenge domestically and compete on the European stage. While his previous ventures have taken him across Spain, England, Italy and China, this move offers something different — a chance to rebuild a proud club and, in doing so, add another achievement to a glittering career.

For Panathinaikos supporters, the prospect of seeing a Champions League-winning manager in their dugout has reignited belief. For Benitez, it is another opportunity to demonstrate that his meticulous approach to football still holds value in the modern game.