Former Liverpool manager appointed as new boss of unexpected European side
A familiar figure from Liverpool’s recent past is back in 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 glory in Istanbul in 2005, returns to the sidelines just seven months after his last managerial stint ended in disappointment.
Benitez replaces Rui Vitoria, who was sacked in September, with Panathinaikos currently seventh in the Greek Super League and struggling for form in Europe. The Athens club have collected nine points from six league games and three from three in the Europa League so far.
It’s another chapter in a remarkable career that’s seen Benitez manage the likes of Real Madrid, Napoli, and Inter Milan, as well as deliver the Champions League and FA Cup during his time at Anfield.
His previous job at Celta Vigo ended poorly, with his dismissal coming after a 4–0 loss to Real Madrid left the team hovering above the relegation zone.
Despite his achievements, Benitez’s Liverpool legacy remains mixed. On The Football Historian Podcast, former players Lee Peltier and David Raven described him as “standoffish” and “cold,” noting that a language barrier may have contributed to his distant demeanor. Peltier recalled that Benitez rarely engaged with players, while Raven remembered being bluntly told to “just sign it and shut up” during contract talks.
Such anecdotes reflect a manager celebrated for his tactical brilliance but not always his personal warmth — a pattern seen throughout his European career.
Still, there’s no questioning his pedigree. Benitez has worked with some of Europe’s biggest clubs and now faces the task of reviving Panathinaikos to their past prominence.
Liverpool fans will forever link him to that magical night in Istanbul, but his journey since leaving Anfield has been anything but straightforward — even including a controversial spell at Everton.
If Benitez can reproduce the success of his Liverpool days, Athens may soon witness another memorable revival under one of football’s most seasoned managers.
