A well-known figure from Liverpool’s recent past is returning to management — this time in Greece.
Former Reds boss Rafa Benitez has been officially announced as the new head coach of Panathinaikos, according to The Athletic. The Spaniard, who famously led Liverpool to Champions League glory in Istanbul in 2005, is back in the dugout just seven months after his last role ended on a sour note.
Benitez replaces Rui Vitoria, who was dismissed in September, with Panathinaikos currently sitting seventh in the Greek Super League and struggling to find form in Europe. The Athens club have taken nine points from their opening six league games and just three from three Europa League fixtures.
It marks another chapter in a remarkable managerial career that has seen Benitez lift the Champions League and FA Cup with Liverpool, as well as take charge of giants like Real Madrid, Napoli, and Inter Milan.
His most recent stint with Celta Vigo ended poorly, as he was sacked following a 4–0 loss to Real Madrid that left the side teetering above the relegation zone.
Despite his successes, Benitez’s Liverpool legacy remains divisive. While revered for his tactical intelligence, several former players—speaking on The Football Historian Podcast—described him as distant and unemotional.
Lee Peltier recalled him as “very quiet and standoffish,” while David Raven remembered being told to “just sign it and shut up” during contract talks. Both, however, admitted that language barriers may have played a role in his cold demeanor.
Even so, Benitez’s managerial record speaks for itself. Having led some of Europe’s biggest clubs, he now faces the challenge of reviving Panathinaikos and restoring their prestige.
Liverpool fans will forever link him with the miracle of Istanbul, but his path since leaving Anfield has been full of surprises — even crossing over to manage rivals Everton.
If he can recapture even a glimpse of his Anfield magic, Athens might soon witness another Benitez-inspired resurgence.
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