Overview
- Rafael Benítez, out of work since leaving Panathinaikos in May, told talkSPORT he is open to international jobs and did not rule out becoming Scotland manager.
- The Scottish Football Association has begun a wide recruitment process after Steve Clarke’s World Cup resignation but has not confirmed a shortlist or made a formal approach to Benítez.
- Benítez defended his seven‑month spell in Athens, saying the club changed targets midseason and that his team reached the Europa League last 16, a domestic cup semi‑final and finished fourth in the league.
- Hiring hurdles for Benítez include his lack of prior senior international experience, his age and current market trends favouring younger, progressive coaches, which could also affect salary negotiations.
- Bookmakers and media are linking several candidates such as David Moyes and Steven Naismith, and the SFA’s final choice will signal whether it prefers a veteran club coach or a domestic, younger option for rebuilding the squad.