1 week ago
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Rafa Benitez is poised to make a managerial comeback with Panathinaikos, setting a new record as the highest-paid manager in Greek football history.
The former Liverpool and Chelsea gaffer has been jobless for over a year since his dismissal from Celta Vigo in March of the previous year. Despite leaving the Spanish side just two points clear of the drop zone, he's now set to take on his 17th managerial role.
According to Greek media, Benitez is expected to sign a two-year contract with the Athens-based club. The Greek heavyweights currently occupy the seventh spot in the Super League Greece, having secured nine points from six games.
This leaves them trailing league leaders PAOK by eight points, albeit with a game in hand. Dutch publication De Telegraaf reports that the record-breaking £3.47 million ($4.6M) contract was finalized after talks in London on Sunday evening with club president Giannis Alafouzos. Panathinaikos has been starved of league success since 2010, having only clinched the title twice this century.
Benitez has asked for his new tenure to be delayed while he organises his move to Athens, meaning he won't be present for their Europa League clash against Feyenoord on Thursday afternoon.
Upon arrival, Benitez will join forces with the likes of ex-Manchester United winger Facundo Pellistri and Golden Boy winner Renato Sanches, who is currently on loan from PSG.
The Spanish gaffer hasn't clinched a major trophy since his Coppa Italia victory with Napoli in 2014. Before this, he had built an impressive reputation, first making waves when he secured two La Liga titles with Valencia and the UEFA Cup.
He then moved to Liverpool, orchestrating the Miracle of Istanbul as the Reds triumphed over AC Milan in a penalty shootout to claim the European Cup in 2005. His managerial career also includes stints at Inter Milan and Chelsea, where he bagged the Europa League.
Benitez's time at Real Madrid was brief and unremarkable, but he then took the reins at Newcastle. He guided their return to the Premier League and helped them maintain their top-flight status despite a significant lack of investment.
Since then, he's had a role in China and a brief spell at Everton.
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