Former Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has been appointed Panathinaikos boss, the Greek club announced on Friday.
Spaniard Benitez, 65, takes over the job at the 20-time Greek champions from Christos Kontis with the Athens club in seventh place in the league table.
Benitez was dismissed from his last coaching job with Celta Vigo in March 2024.
He led Liverpool to the 2005 Champions League title and Valencia to two La Liga titles.
Adam Gnezda Cerin of Panathinaikos in action during the UEFA Europa League match against Feyenoord on 23 October 2025. Photo: AAP via EPA/Bas Czerwinski
He has also had spells managing Real Madrid, Inter Milan, Napoli and Premier League sides Chelsea, Newcastle and Everton, as well as 18 months at Chinese Super League club Dalian Pro.
“Panathinaikos welcomes Rafa Benitez as the club’s new head coach,” the club said, without stipulating the length of his contract.
Benitez’s first game in charge will be Sunday’s league fixture at home to Asteras Aktor.
Source: AFP
