The 65-year-old had his first coaching role back in 1986 and has since managed several top European clubs including Valencia, Napoli, Inter Milan, Real Madrid and of course Liverpool between 2004 and 2010.
Now, after being sacked by Celta Vigo on March 12th, 2024 after just five wins from 28 matches in LaLiga, he is set for a new role with Europa League club Panathinaikos who are ready for a new head coach.
This comes from the Daily Mail and Greek outlet Sport24 who state that the contract is set to be a record-breaking one in Greece. Talks in London Sunday evening were held with their club president Giannis Alafouzos.
Dutch outlet De Telegraaf claims the record-breaking £3.47M contract is set to be agreed for a 2½-year contract, making it one of the most lucrative deals in their history. Benitez was recently spotted sitting next to Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis, who has been busy with a manager merry-go-round recently.
Benitez spoke of his desire to return back in September and revealed that he would love to stay within Europe.
“Sometimes to be described as "a legend" is very nice, but also complicated.
“It is bad for a coach to be seen as retired. People still ask me, "Do you want to coach?" For sure, I do, particularly in England and Europe. I do not want people to think I am finished. I am still evolving.”