Rafael Benitez 'open to challenge' amid Scotland job links — on one condition
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Liverpool FC NewsFeaturesRafael BenitezAfter he was fired by Panathinaikos, former Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez says he is "open to the challenge" amid links with the vacant Scotland job — but only under one conditionRafa Benitez during his time as Panathinaikos manager(Image: Giorgos Arapekos/NurPhoto via Getty Images)Former Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez says he is hoping to return to management after being fired by Panathinaikos.The Spaniard would be willing to come back to England and work in the Premier League, and has also said he would be open to the Scotland role left vacant by Steve Clarke. "They achieved what they could achieve," Benitez said when he was asked about Scotland's performance at the World Cup, where the team crashed out in the group phase.
"I don't think they could have achieved any more."Despite that, Benitez went on to say he would be "open to the challenge" of taking charge, but only if he is given "the tools."Speaking on talkSPORT, Scottish broadcaster Jim White asked Benitez: "That wasn't a no to Scotland, was it?"Benitez replied: "No, no, I'm open to international football, to national teams, because I think you can do a different kind of job."Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher have often hailed Benitez's tactical nous, and he also worked at the likes of Inter Milan and Real Madrid.Benitez is a former Everton and Liverpool manager(Image: PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)But it has been a long time since he has worked at the top end of the game. Benitez has had nine jobs since leaving Liverpool in 2010, lasting less than a year in six of those.In his last role, Benitez earned around six times what Clarke earned as Scotland boss.The fans' main gripe with the previous head coach was a lack of exciting soccer.It would be fair to say Benitez's style is cautious and often focused more on staying in games and counter-attacking.
Scotland supporters may be hoping for something more expansive.Get Liverpool's new 2026/27 home kitThis article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. He, though, just signed a mega-money deal with Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia.Everton manager David Moyes is another who has been suggested in some quarters, but he still has a year left on his contract at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.Liverpool.com says: Benitez was a top coach a decade or so ago — maybe more at this point — but it has been a long time since his style has been useful at the top end of the game.