Rafa Benitez leaves fourth club in five years as ex-Liverpool boss fired
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Liverpool FC NewsFeaturesRafa Benitez has parted company with Panathinaikos after just eight months in charge of the Greek Super League club, marking the fourth managerial exit of his career in five years17:40, 23 May 2026Updated 17:40, 23 May 2026Rafa Benitez(Image: Mustafa Yalcin/Anadolu via Getty Images)Panathinaikos have confirmed they have parted ways with ex-Everton and Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez. The Greek side made the announcement on Friday evening after wrapping up their domestic campaign.Benitez took charge of Panathinaikos last October, replacing Christos Kontis, with a brief to improve the club's fortunes in the Greek Super League, where they languished in seventh at the time of his arrival.After a 2-2 stalemate with PAOK on Sunday, Panathinaikos opted to end their association with Benitez and released a statement outlining their position.READ MORE: Trent Alexander-Arnold's Real Madrid prediction looking worse and worse after England snubREAD MORE: Premier League transfer window announcement impacting Liverpool and rivals"Panathinaikos FC announces the completion of its collaboration with coach Rafa Benitez," the Greek outfit said in a statement."We thank the Spanish coach and his staff for the professionalism and ethos they brought to our club during their time with the team.
We wish Rafa Benitez every success in the rest of his professional career.", reports the Liverpool Echo.The club also shared a tribute on their official X platform, expressing gratitude for Benitez's tenure.Rafael Benitez has left his role as head coach of Panathinaikos FC(Image: Europa Press Sports, Europa Press via Getty Images)"Thank you for everything Mister," Panathinaikos wrote. "Best of luck in your future."Benitez's exit from Panathinaikos marks his fourth managerial departure in the past five years.The 66 year old has previously managed Dalian Pro in China, Celta Vigo in Spain, and Everton, leaving all of those positions since early 2021.READ MORE: Liverpool transfer latest as Reds star 'open' to summer exit giving Arne Slot headacheREAD MORE: Alisson stance on Liverpool future amid new twist in Juventus transfer claimsBenitez had a six-month spell as Everton manager following his appointment in July 2021, overseeing merely 22 matches and securing only seven victories before departing with the Blues sitting 15th in the Premier League table.The Spaniard also had a six-year tenure as Liverpool manager between 2004-10, claiming one FA Cup and leading the Reds to their memorable victory in Istanbul in 2005 to secure the Champions League.He went on to have a stint at Chelsea, but was extremely unpopular with the Stamford Bridge faithful due to his history with Liverpool.
He left after less than one season in charge.Choose Liverpool.com as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.