ATHENS, Greece (AP) — Former Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has been hired to coach Panathinaikos on a deal that Greek media reported to be the country's highest-ever salary for a coach. The struggling Athens club, which enters the weekend in seventh place in the 14-team Greek Super League, announced Friday that the well-traveled Spaniard signed a contract that reportedly extends to 2027.

Local media reported the deal is worth close to 4 million euros ($4.6 million) per season and includes an option to extend for an additional season. The 65-year-old Benitez, who has also coached Real Madrid, Inter Milan and Newcastle, was fired by Celta Vigo in March 2024 after his team had won just five league games. Benitez had been fired by Premier League club Everton after 200 days in early 2022 afte

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