Overview
- Panathinaikos announced on Friday that it had “completed its collaboration” with Benítez and thanked him and his staff in an official statement and social posts.
- Benítez was appointed in October 2025 and lasted under seven months in the role after taking over a club then seventh in the Super League.
- On the pitch he took Panathinaikos to the Greek Cup semi‑finals and the Europa League last 16 but the team finished fourth in the domestic table and suffered a damaging 2-0 derby defeat to Olympiakos.
- Owner Giannis Alafouzos and chief advisor Franco Baldini are reported to be leading the recruitment drive, with Jacob Neestrup among names linked to the vacancy.
- The exit continues a recent pattern for Benítez — his fourth managerial departure in five years — and leaves the 66‑year‑old facing fresh questions about the next step in his career.