Panathinaikos have announced the departure of manager Rafa Benitez, bringing an end to his short tenure at the Greek club. The decision was confirmed on Friday night following the conclusion of the Greek Super League season.
Benitez, 66, was appointed in October last year to replace Christos Kontis, with the club sitting seventh in the league at the time. Despite a 2-2 draw with PAOK in their final match, the club opted to part ways with the Spanish coach.
In a statement, Panathinaikos said: 'Panathinaikos FC announces the completion of its collaboration with coach Rafa Benitez. 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.'
This departure marks Benitez's fourth managerial exit in five years, following spells at Dalian Pro in China, Celta Vigo in Spain, and Everton. He spent six months at Everton in 2021, managing just 22 matches and securing seven wins before leaving the club in 15th place in the Premier League.
Benitez is best known for his six-year tenure at Liverpool from 2004 to 2010, where he won the FA Cup and famously led the Reds to Champions League glory in Istanbul in 2005.
