Former Liverpool manager appointed as new head coach of unexpected European side
A well-known figure from Liverpool’s recent past has returned to management — this time in Greece.
Former Reds boss Rafa Benitez has officially been named the new head coach of Panathinaikos, as confirmed by The Athletic.
The Spaniard, who famously led Liverpool to Champions League triumph in Istanbul in 2005, is back in the dugout just seven months after his last spell ended on a low note.
Rafa Benitez appointed Panathinaikos head coach
Benitez replaces Rui Vitoria, who was dismissed in September with Panathinaikos languishing in seventh place in the Super League Greece and struggling to find form in Europe. The Athens giants have collected nine points from six league matches and only three points from their opening three Europa League fixtures.
For Benitez, this marks another chapter in a storied career that has taken him from Champions League and FA Cup success with Liverpool to managing powerhouses such as Real Madrid, Napoli, and Inter Milan.
His previous position at Celta Vigo ended in disappointment after a 4–0 defeat to Real Madrid left the club hovering just above the relegation zone, prompting his dismissal.
A complex Liverpool legacy
While Benitez remains celebrated for his tactical brilliance and achievements at Anfield, his time there divides opinion among former players.
On The Football Historian Podcast, ex-Reds academy graduates Lee Peltier and David Raven described their experiences under the Spaniard, calling him “standoffish” and “cold,” though both suggested the language barrier played a role.
Peltier recalled that Benitez “was very quiet and not really engaging,” while Raven remembered being told to “just sign it and shut up” during contract discussions.
These anecdotes underline the perception of Benitez as a meticulous tactician but not necessarily a man-manager, a reputation that has followed him throughout his European journey.
Still, there’s no denying his pedigree. Having managed some of Europe’s biggest clubs, Benitez now faces the challenge of reviving Panathinaikos’ fortunes and returning them to former glory.
Liverpool fans will forever link him with the magic of Istanbul, yet his career since leaving Anfield has taken many unexpected turns — including his controversial stint across Stanley Park at Everton.
If he can recreate even a fraction of his past success, Athens might just witness another memorable Benitez resurgence.
Watch: Rafa Benitez arrives in Athens via [@paofc_ on X]
“Touchdown in Athens Rafa Benítez is home ☘️ #Panathinaikos #PAOFC”
