Rafa Benitez’s 19-month wait for a managerial role is about to end, with the Spaniard set to be appointed in his 17th job.
The 65-year-old has been out of work since being sacked by Celta Vigo on March 12, 2024 after just five wins from 28 matches in LaLiga – leaving the club two points above the relegation zone.
However, his next foray in the dugout will see him manage in a league that will be new to him.
According to reports in Greece, Benitez is set to become the new Panathinaikos boss on a two-year deal.
The Greek giants currently sit seventh in the 14-team Super League Greece on nine points after six matches – eight points behind league leaders PAOK but with a game in hand.
Dutch publication De Telegraaf adds that the contract is set to be a record-breaking one in Greece after negotiations in London on Sunday evening with their club president Giannis Alafouzos.
They report that he will earn £3.47million-per-year at Panathinaikos – making him the highest-paid coach ever in Greek history.
De Telegraaf state that Benitez has asked for his new tenure not to begin right away as he sorts his move to Athens, meaning he won’t be on the bench for their Europa League encounter at Feyenoord on Thursday afternoon.
Speaking about not facing Benitez, Feyenoord manager Robin van Persie spoke of his relief due to their preparations ahead of the match.
‘We’ve mapped everything out and have a good idea of how Panathinaikos plays, because the interim coach has been in place for a while,’ the former Arsenal and Manchester United striker said.
‘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.’
Benitez’s 16 clubs prior to Panathinaikos has seen him manage some of the biggest teams in world football including Liverpool, Inter Milan, Chelsea, Napoli and Real Madrid.
His managerial honours include winning two LaLiga titles and a UEFA Cup with Valencia, a FA Cup and Champions League with Liverpool, FIFA Club World Cup at Inter Milan and Europa League during his time at Chelsea.
On October 1 he was pictured in close proximity with Olympiacos owner Evangelos Marinakis during their Champions League fixture at Arsenal, though it is understood Benitez was at Emirates Stadium in his role as a UEFA technical observer.
Speaking in September about management, Benitez spoke of his desire to return – ideally to England or to Europe – which he now has wish.
‘Sometimes to be described as “a legend” is very nice, but also complicated,’ Benitez told the Telegraph ahead of the Merseyside derby.
‘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.’
