A former Newcastle United manager has been sacked by his current club after a title bid fell short.

Former Newcastle United and Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has left his role as manager of Greek giants Panathinaikos.

The Spanish boss became a popular figure during his time in charge of both Premier League clubs after leading the Reds to a historic Champions League final win against AC Milan in 2005 before guiding Newcastle back into the Premier League just over a decade later after a one-season stay in the Championship. Since leaving his role at St James Park during the summer of 2019, Benitez has spent time in charge of Chinese club Dalian Professional, Everton and Celta Vigo before he was appointed as Panathinaikos manager in October last year.

After guiding his new club to a 2-0 home win against Asteras just two days after his appointment was confirmed, Benitez lost just one of his first seven games in charge - but a poor end to the season saw any title hopes brought to an end as Panathinaikos suffered defeats against arch rivals Olympiakos and AEK Athens during the final weeks of the campaign. Benitez’s final game in charge was a 2-2 draw with PAOK last weekend as his side ended the season in fourth place in the Super League table, 11 points adrift of newly crowned champions AEK.

Reports in Greece have suggested the 2-0 loss against Olympiakos angered Panathinaikos owner Giannis Alafouzos and that played a key role in his decision to part company with Benitez. Despite securing a place in next season’s Europa Conference League and guiding his side to the last 16 of the Europa League, the Spaniard’s departure was officially confirmed in a statement released on the club website on Saturday.

It read: “Panathinaikos F.C. announces the end of its cooperation with head coach Mr. Rafa Benítez. We would like to thank the Spanish coach and his staff for the professionalism and character they have demonstrated throughout their time at our club. We wish Rafa Benítez every success in the continuation of his professional career.”

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