Rafa Benitez is set to return to management as he takes charge of Panathinaikos, becoming the highest-paid coach in Greek football history.
The former Liverpool and Chelsea manager has been out of work for over a year following his dismissal from Celta Vigo in March last year, where he left the team just two points clear of relegation. Now, he’s preparing for his 17th managerial role.
According to reports from Greece, Benitez is expected to sign a two-year contract in Athens. Panathinaikos currently sit seventh in the 14-team Super League Greece, with nine points from six games — eight points behind leaders PAOK but with a game in hand.
Dutch outlet De Telegraaf reports that Benitez’s record-breaking £3.47 million deal was finalised after talks in London on Sunday with club president Giannis Alafouzos. The Athens giants are hoping his arrival will help them reclaim domestic glory, having last won the league title in 2010 — and only twice this century.
Benitez has reportedly asked to delay the start of his tenure as he prepares for the move to Greece, meaning he won’t be on the bench for Thursday’s Europa League clash against Feyenoord.
Across his career, the Spaniard has managed some of the world’s top clubs, including Liverpool, Inter Milan, Chelsea, Napoli and Real Madrid. His honours include 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 trophy with Chelsea.
