Rafa Benitez Expected to Become Highest-Paid Manager in Greek Football with Panathinaikos

Rafa Benitez is set to return to football management as the head coach of Greek club Panathinaikos, signing a record-breaking two-year contract that makes him the highest-paid manager in Greek football history. After being out of work for over a year following his dismissal from Celta Vigo, Benitez will take on his 17th managerial role with Panathinaikos, who currently sit seventh in the Super League Greece. The club has struggled to win titles recently, having not secured a league championship since 2010, and Benitez's appointment is seen as a move to help close the gap on league leaders PAOK. He will join notable players such as Facundo Pellistri and Renato Sanches, with high expectations to improve the team's performance. Benitez requested a delay in starting his tenure to organize his move to Athens, meaning he will miss Panathinaikos' upcoming Europa League match. His last major trophy was the Coppa Italia with Napoli in 2014, and his illustrious career includes winning La Liga with Valencia, the UEFA Cup, and the Champions League with Liverpool in 2005.