RAFA BENITEZ has returned to management as the new Panathinaikos boss.
Benitez, 65, was a free agent after leaving Celta Vigo in 2024 and is set for an immediate return to European football as PAO play in the Europa League – a competition he has previously won.
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Rafa Benítez has officially returned to management after being announced as the new Panathinaikos bossCredit: Pierre Teyssot / SplashNews.com
Benitez has signed a lucrative contract that makes him the highest-paid head coach in the history of the Super LeagueCredit: AP
And the Spanish tactician has signed a lucrative contract with the Greek giants that makes him the highest-paid head coach in the history of the Super League.
The former Liverpool, Chelsea, Newcastle and Everton manager has put pen to paper on a two-and-a-half-year deal.
According to Sport24, the ex-Real Madrid boss’ new deal is worth a staggering £4.4million per year.
That is an unprecedented contract for a manager in Greek football.
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Benitez was Panathinaikos president Yiannis Alafouzos and club chief Franco Baldini’s top choice.
The former Inter Milan boss flew in to Athens on Thursday via private jet to discuss the finer details of the agreement.
Alafouzos has tasked the ex-Valencia boss with leading PAO back to the top of Greek football, as the team hasn’t won the title since 2010, ahead of their expected move to their state-of-the-art new stadium at Votanikos in 2027.
Benitez will be joining a club with immense European pedigree as Panathinaikos made it to the final of the 1971 European Cup where they lost 2-0 to Ajax at Wembley.
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The Athenian outfit also made it to the Champions League semi-finals and quarter-finals in 1996 and 2002 respectively.
Benitez will manage his first match as Panathinaikos boss on Sunday at home against former Fulham manager Chris Coleman’s Asteras Tripolis.
PAO are currently seventh in the Super League table with eight points separating them from leaders PAOK.
Benitez’s new team, who’ve lost two and won one of their three Europa League matches this season, have a game in hand
