Benitez returns with a record contract

After 19 months of unemployment, veteran coach Rafa Benitez is preparing to return to the coaching chair in Greece - a land he has never set foot in during his coaching career.

Benitez is set to return to Greece.

According to De Telegraaf and Greek media, the former Real Madrid coach agreed to sign a two-year contract with Panathinaikos. The 65-year-old coach will receive a salary of up to 3.47 million pounds per season, becoming the highest-paid coach in Greek football history.

Benitez left Celta Vigo in March 2024 after a poor run of results (just 5 wins in 28 La Liga games). Since then, the strategist who led Liverpool to the 2005 Champions League title has not returned to work. Now, he is about to enter the 17th club of his career, spanning from Real Madrid, Inter Milan, Chelsea to Newcastle and Everton.

In Greece, Panathinaikos are 7th in the Super League standings with 9 points after 6 games, 8 points behind leaders PAOK but with a game in hand. Benitez is expected to revive the Athens club, bring them back to the domestic title race and make their mark in Europe.

The Spanish coach will not be officially unveiled immediately as he is arranging a move. He will not be in charge of the Europa League match against Feyenoord. Feyenoord coach Robin van Persie admitted he was relieved not to have to face Benitez, who he said "could upset all plans if he appeared right now".

From conquering the Champions League with Liverpool to signing a historic contract at Panathinaikos, Benitez proves he still has ambition and still wants to affirm that he is not out of date even at the age of 65.

Source: https://znews.vn/benitez-tai-xuat-voi-ban-hop-dong-ky-luc-post1596434.html