Rafa Benítez hired by Panathinaikos as highest-paid Greek coach

Rafa Benítez has been appointed as the head coach of Greek football club Panathinaikos, signing a two-year contract reportedly worth around €4 million per season, making it the highest-ever salary for a coach in Greece. The 65-year-old Spaniard, who has a decorated managerial career including winning the 2005 Champions League with Liverpool and the 2013 Europa League with Chelsea, takes over a struggling Panathinaikos team currently seventh in the Greek Super League. Benítez replaces Christos Kontis, who was interim coach following the sacking of Rui Vitória after a recent Europa League defeat to Feyenoord. This role marks Benítez's return to coaching after being dismissed by Celta Vigo in March 2024 and a period without a club since early 2022 after leaving Everton. Panathinaikos owner Giannis Alafouzos has shown strong confidence in Benítez's experience by agreeing to this record salary, despite the manager's recent lack of notable success. Benítez is set to make his debut against Asteras Tripolis, with expectations high for him to revive the fortunes of the 20-time Greek champions.