Panathinaikos coach Rafael Benitez during a Greek Superleague game between PAOK FC and Panathinaikos FC Thessaloniki Greece - ZUMAp191 20251221_zap_p191_019 Copyright: xGiannisxPapanikosx
Panathinaikos coach Rafael Benitez during a Greek Superleague game between PAOK FC and Panathinaikos FC Thessaloniki Greece - ZUMAp191 20251221_zap_p191_019 Copyright: xGiannisxPapanikosx
Former Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has not managed in England since being sacked by Everton in January 2022, just six months into his tenure.
The former Liverpool boss has extensive Premier League experience, having also managed Newcastle and Chelsea. During his spells in England, he won the FA Cup, Champions League, Europa League and EFL Championship.
Benitez most recently managed Greek side Panathinaikos on a two-and-a-half-year contract but departed after just seven months in May.
He has since joined UEFA’s Technical Observer Group, helping analyse matches and identify tactical trends. However, speaking to talkSPORT on Tuesday evening, the Spaniard admitted he is keen to return to management.
Benitez has expressed his desire to return to the Premier League, with four managers reportedly under pressure heading into the international break.
Asked about a potential return on talkSPORT Drive, Benitez said: “You know that I’m working now for UEFA, but I’m watching games all the time, and especially the Premier League, because I want to know the players, I want to know their style.
“I could see the other day when I was watching Juventus vs Napoli, then I was watching Liverpool vs Arsenal, and you can see the difference. “So I like the Premier League because of the intensity.
“Every game, every ball is a challenge. I think it’s fantastic. The problem is that you need to find the right project. Talking about projects in football now is quite complicated.”
Andy Goldstein then asked: “Would that project be in the Premier League, Rafa?” Benitez responded: “Yeah, yeah, I would be happy with that, for sure.”
Goldstein responded: “And what about Napoli? Can you see yourself going back to Napoli?” Benitez added: “Napoli is a nice place, I have very good memories, but they still have a manager.
“So what I am doing is open, because I am working with UEFA, watching Roma against Real Madrid. But I watch the French League, La Liga, Serie A, and the Premier League. They are my favourites, for sure.”
There have been no managerial sackings in the Premier League so far this season, but several managers are under increasing pressure.
Michael Carrick came close to losing his job at Manchester United after a nine-game winless run, although he has since been given more time by the hierarchy and secured a Champions League victory over Roma on Tuesday. Regis Le Bris is also under pressure at bottom-placed Sunderland, while Pierre Sage faces scrutiny at Crystal Palace.
Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest boss Oliver Glasner challenged the club’s board to sack him following their 2-0 defeat to Brentford. All four clubs are currently among the bottom sides in the Premier League table.
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