Rafa Benitez brutally sacked 7 years after controversial Newcastle United exit
Rafa Benitez spent just over three years as Newcastle United manager between 2016 and 2019.
Panathinaikos have confirmed the departure of former Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez after just seven months.
Appointed in October, the Spaniard finished 20 points behind league leaders AEK Athens. Finishing fourth - behind Olympiacos and PAOK - was only enough to guarantee a Conference League spot.
Benitez also lost two derbies to bitter rivals Olympiacos in his short reign as manager. A club statement confirmed that the ex-Toon boss would leave with immediate effect.
Rafa Benitez sacked
“Panathinaikos FC announces the completion of its collaboration with coach Rafa Benitez,” an announcement read. “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.”
Farewell message to Newcastle United
Newcastle was Benitez’s most recent successful gig in management. The 66-year-old has become somewhat of a footballing journeyman since leaving St James’ Park in 2019.
Spells at Dalian professional, Everton, Celta Vigo and now Panathinaikos have proven short-lived. But on Tyneside, Benitez will always remain popular for dragging the club back to the Premier League on a limited budget.
Having kept Newcastle in the division for two seasons, the former Liverpool manager grew frustrated at the lack of investment from above. Benitez fired a thinly-veiled swipe towards Mike Ashley in his parting message to Toon supporters.
"It became increasingly clear to me that those at the top of the club did not share the same vision,” Benitez wrote. “I wanted to stay, but I didn't just want to sign an extended contract, I wanted to be part of a project. I do not regret for one moment my decision to come to Tyneside and I'm very proud about what we achieved together."