Rafael Benitez Appointed Panathinaikos Head Coach
Rafael Benitez has been appointed as the new head coach of Greek football club Panathinaikos. This marks a significant move in his managerial career, being the 15th club he has led.
Details of the Appointment
Benitez, aged 65, takes over from Christos Kontis, who was dismissed following a disappointing 3-1 defeat to Feyenoord in the Europa League. The Athens-based team is currently positioned seventh in the Super League. They have recently faced consecutive losses in the Europa League.
Contract Terms
- Benitez has reportedly signed a two-year contract.
- The deal is valued at approximately four million euros, equating to £3.5 million per year.
Recent Managerial History
Before his appointment at Panathinaikos, Benitez was the manager of Celta Vigo. His tenure was cut short in March 2024 after less than nine months due to poor performance. This was following his earlier exit from Everton in January 2022.
Notable Achievements
Rafael Benitez has a storied managerial career, with several notable achievements:
- 2005 UEFA Champions League winner with Liverpool.
- 2006 FA Cup winner with Liverpool.
- 2013 Europa League winner during his interim role at Chelsea.
- Guided Newcastle United to promotion from the Championship in the 2016-2017 season.
- Winning two La Liga titles and the UEFA Cup with Valencia.
Managerial Journey
Benitez began his coaching career at the under-17 level with Real Madrid in 1986. He eventually managed the club’s reserve team, Real Madrid Castilla, and had a short stint as the first-team assistant. His journey continued with various teams, including:
- P Valladolid
- Osasuna
- Extremadura
- Tenerife
- Valencia
- Liverpool
With his extensive experience and a rich portfolio of successes, Benitez steps into his new role at Panathinaikos aiming to restore the club’s glory in Greek football.
