Rafa Benitez to leave club
Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version from DaveOCKOP or go back to LFC Live.
Former Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez is reportedly set to be dismissed from his latest role according to a reliable journalist. Image Credits: Imago ImagesIt has not been the fairytale return to management that many had hoped for Rafa BenitezWhen the Spaniard was unveiled as Panathinaikos head coach back in October 2025, the appointment made headlines across Europe – and not just for the name on the contract.The Athens club handed the 65-year-old Spaniard a deal reported to be worth close to €4 million per season, making him the highest-paid manager in the history of Greek football.The contract, which ran until 2027 and included an option for a further year, was seen as a statement of intent from the ambitious Athens club and their owner Giannis Alafouzos.The Greek Super League operates under a two-phase format that sets it apart from the standard league structures across Europe.In the first phase, all 14 clubs play each other twice across 26 matchdays, with the top four then advancing to a Championship play-off round to determine the title and European places.Teams finishing fifth through eighth enter a separate Europe play-off, while those in the bottom six face a relegation play-out.
Panathinaikos navigated their way through the league phase and into the Championship play-offs, finishing fourth in the opening phase with 49 points from 26 games.However, results in the Championship round have been disappointing, and the pressure on Benitez has steadily mounted.Now, it appears the curtain is coming down on his tenure in the Greek capital.Greek journalist Giannis Chorianopoulos broke the news on Wednesday, reporting:“Panathinaikos are about to part ways officially with Rafa Benítez in the end of the season. He will be in the club for the last 4 matches of Greek Super League 1.”It aligns with previous reports from Greece earlier this year that the former Liverpool manager is on his way out of the club.Former Reds defender Igor Biscan has been tipped to replace him.❗ Panathinaikos are about to part ways officially with Rafa Benítez in the end of the season.
He will be in the club for the last 4 matches of Greek Super League 1 🟢#Panathinaikos #PAOFC— Giannis Chorianopoulos (@choria80) April 22, 2026 Panathinikos Rafa Benitez