Rafa Benitez gets the sack less than seven months into latest job

Rafa Benitez | Credit: SmartFrame Images | Zuma Press Rafa Benitez is looking for another job. The former Newcastle United manager having been sacked by Panathinaikos. This time, Rafa Benitez lasting less than seven months in the job.

Back on 24 October 2025, Panathinaikos announced: ‘Rafa Benitez is the new coach of Panathinaikos. The great Spanish coach takes up his duties immediately. Panathinaikos FC announces the start of its collaboration with one of the most successful coaches in world football and the top coach to ever come to a Greek team, Rafa Benitez!

’ A less positive tone and announcement now from the Greek club. ‘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. ’ Exactly what will be Rafa’s professional career moving on… Panathinaikos ended the season fourth in the table, 20 points off the top. He did guide them to the semi-finals of the Greek Cup and the last 16 of the Europa League but that not enough to save his job.