Panathinaikos officially hire new manager to replace Rafa Benitez

Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version from DaveOCKOP or go back to LFC Live.

Former Liverpool manager Rafa Benítez was sacked by Panathinaikos at the end of the 2025/26 season after just seven months in charge. However, a 2-2 draw with PAOK on Sunday proved to be his final match in charge.His departure marked his fourth managerial exit in five years, having previously left Dalian Pro, Celta Vigo, and Everton since 2021.His spell at Everton lasted just six months, during which he oversaw 22 matches and won seven, leaving the club 15th in the Premier League.Rafa Benitez, 66, is best known for his six-year tenure at Liverpool between 2004 and 2010, where he won the FA Cup and guided the Reds to their famous 2005 Champions League triumph in Istanbul.Panathinaikos have now confirmed that Jacob Neestrup will replace Rafa Benitez on a two-year deal.

The Danish coach joins after a brief spell out of work following his departure from FC Copenhagen, where he won two league titles, two Danish Cups, and reached the Champions League round of 16.A club statement read: “FC Panathinaikos announces the beginning of its cooperation with Danish coach Jacob Neestrup. We welcome Jakob Neestrup to the Panathinaikos family!”Neestrup began his playing career at Copenhagen, but injuries limited his progress and prevented him from establishing himself at senior level.He later had a brief spell with Icelandic side FH Hafnarfjörður before another injury-hit stint at Danish fourth-division club Fremad.

He later returned to Copenhagen as assistant to Jess Thorup.In September 2022, he was appointed head coach and went on to win two Danish Superliga titles and two Danish Cups (2023 and 2025).He also led the club to the Champions League knockout stages in 2023–24, finishing ahead of Manchester United and Galatasaray in their group, behind Bayern Munich. (@paofc_) May 26, 2026 Jacob Neestrup Panathinaikos Rafa Benitez