Former Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has been appointed as the new head coach of Panathinaikos, the Greek club announced on Friday.
The 65-year-old Spaniard takes over from Christos Kontis, with the Athens-based side currently sitting seventh in the Greek Super League table. Panathinaikos, one of Greece’s most decorated clubs with 20 league titles, will hope Benitez’s vast experience can revive their domestic campaign.
Benitez, who was most recently in charge of Celta Vigo before being dismissed in March 2024, brings an illustrious managerial résumé. He famously led Liverpool to the 2005 UEFA Champions League title in a dramatic comeback against AC Milan and guided Valencia to two La Liga crowns earlier in his career.
Over more than two decades in management, Benitez has also overseen top clubs including Real Madrid, Inter Milan, Napoli, Chelsea, Newcastle United, and Everton. His international experience extends beyond Europe, having managed Chinese Super League side Dalian Pro for 18 months.
“Panathinaikos welcomes Rafa Benitez as the club’s new head coach,” the club said in a brief statement, without disclosing the duration of his contract.
Benitez’s first test in charge will come on Sunday when Panathinaikos host Asteras Aktor in a league fixture at the Apostolos Nikolaidis Stadium.
Source: AFP
Written By Rodney Mbua
