Legendary Liverpool coach takes over Panathinaikos
Panathinaikos FC has announced the start of its cooperation with Rafa Benítez, describing him in the statement as “one of the most successful football managers in the world and the top coach to ever join a Greek team.”
Earlier, the club confirmed the end of its collaboration with Christos Kontis, CE Report quotes ANA-MPA.
“Panathinaikos FC announces the conclusion of its cooperation with Christos Kontis. He served the team during a difficult period, and we sincerely thank him. We wish him all the best in the next step of his career.”
Regarding Rafa Benítez’s appointment, the announcement reads:
“Panathinaikos FC announces the start of its cooperation with one of the most successful football managers in the world and the top coach to ever join a Greek team, Rafa Benítez!
Benítez has won countless titles throughout his long career, including the Champions League, two UEFA Cups/Europa Leagues, and a FIFA Club World Cup. He will immediately take up his duties at Panathinaikos, together with his staff.
Rafa Benítez was born on April 16, 1960, in Madrid, Spain. He began his coaching career at the age of 26 at the Real Madrid academy. After nine years there, he became a head coach in 1995, starting with Real Valladolid, followed by short stints at Osasuna and Extremadura, which he led to promotion to La Liga. In 2000, he managed Tenerife, achieving another promotion to the top Spanish division.
In 2001, Benítez took over Valencia, leading the team to win the Spanish league in 2002 after 31 years, and in the 2003-04 season, he won both the league and the UEFA Cup.
In 2004, he joined Liverpool, becoming the first Spanish coach in the Premier League. In his first season, he famously won the Champions League in the 2004-05 final against AC Milan, completing an incredible comeback from 3-0 down at halftime to a 3-3 draw and victory on penalties. During his six-year tenure at Liverpool, he also won the UEFA Super Cup and the FA Cup.
In 2010, Benítez moved to Inter Milan, winning the FIFA Club World Cup and the Italian Super Cup, but parted ways with the club later that year. In 2012, he joined Chelsea and led the team to win the Europa League. In 2013, he managed Napoli, winning the Italian Cup and Super Cup in 2014.
In 2015, Benítez returned to Real Madrid but left in January 2016 despite qualifying for the Champions League Round of 16. Shortly after, he joined Newcastle United, helping them return to the Premier League. He later coached Dalian Professional in China, Everton in England, and most recently Celta Vigo in Spain.
Individually, Benítez has been named UEFA Coach of the Year twice (2004, 2005) and La Liga Coach of the Year in 2002.
“Welcome Rafa Benítez to the Panathinaikos family!” the club concluded.
