"The Rotator" is back! Rafa Benitez has new job

While Panathinaikos players prepare for tonight’s Europa League match against Feyenoord in Rotterdam, the club’s management is finalizing the appointment of a new head coach — Rafa Benitez.

The renowned Spanish tactician, who once led Liverpool to a Champions League triumph, arrived in Athens today to complete the paperwork for his new job. Benitez will sign a two-year contract with the Greens, becoming the highest-paid coach in Greek football history. According to Dutch outlet De Telegraaf, the deal will earn him 4 million euros over two years — the outcome of negotiations held in London last weekend and approved by club owner Giannis Alafouzos.

The move comes as a surprise, considering Benitez hasn’t enjoyed any significant managerial success in recent years. His career trajectory has been on the decline — his last job was at Celta Vigo, where he was dismissed in March, with the team sitting just two points above the relegation zone.

Still, the Spaniard managed to secure a record-breaking deal by Greek standards. His official presentation is expected to take place on Saturday, and his first match in charge should come on Sunday against Asteras.

Panathinaikos will be the 17th club Benitez has managed in his career. His greatest achievements came with Liverpool and Valencia, while he also lifted trophies with Inter, Chelsea, Napoli, and Newcastle. His decline began after a stint in China with Dalian, followed by brief and turbulent spells at Everton and Celta Vigo.

As for Panathinaikos, they too have struggled for success in recent years — their last Greek league title came in 2010, while they lifted the Greek Cup in 2024.