Rafael Rafa Benitez could be on the brink of beginning a new phase in his long managerial career. The Madrid-born ex-Liverpool coach has reportedly reached an agreement with AEK Athens to become the club’s new head coach, replacing Argentine Matias Almeyda.AEK’s sporting director, Javier Ribalta, recently met with Benitez to present him the project for the upcoming season. The goal is clear: to capitalize on the Spaniard’s vast experience and international reputation, honed through spells at top clubs such as Real Madrid, Valencia, Liverpool, and Napoli.🇪🇸Rafael Benitez has won🏆Champions League🏆La Liga 2x🏆UEFA Cup (EL)🏆UEFA Super Cup🏆Coppa Italia🏆Supercoppa Italiana 2x🏆FA Cup🏆FIFA Club World Cup🏆EFL Championship🏆FA Community ShieldBut he’s treated the same way as managers who only managed mid-table in PL..— Jan Říha (@HonzaRihaftbl) April 20, 2019 This is not the first time Benitez has come close to returning to the dugout after a year away from management. In January, the 65-year-old held talks with Brazilian side Botafogo, but the deal ultimately fell through.Benitez’s potential move to AEK would mark a continuation of a growing trend of Spanish coaches making a significant impact on Greek football. Notable examples include Ernesto Valverde, who won three Super League titles and two Greek Cups with Olympiacos; Michel Gonzalez, who also secured two league titles and a Cup with the same club; and Manolo Jimenez, who led AEK to a league championship.More recently, Jose Luis Mendilibar made history with Olympiacos by winning the 2024 Greek Super League and the UEFA Conference League – an unprecedented achievement for the Piraeus-based club.##NAJAVA_MECA_8939817##If Benitez accepts the challenge, he would not only take charge of one of Greece’s most prestigious teams, but also join a distinguished group of Spanish managers who have left a lasting legacy in Greek football. A final decision is expected in the coming weeks, which could mark the beginning of a new chapter for one of European football’s most accomplished coaches.
