Benitez set for return to management with first role since Everton sacking

23 June 2023 , 16:38

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Rafa Benitez is now back in football management after an ill-fated spell with Everton (Image: Getty Images)

Former Liverpool and Chelsea boss Rafa Benitez is closing in on a return to the touchline with a move to Spanish side Celta Vigo.

The Spaniard has been out of work since a disastrous spell with Everton was ended in January 2022. He has been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia since then, whilst he was also mentioned in the conversation for the Leicester City job before they appointed Enzo Maresca.

He has finally agreed to return to management however after being named as Celta Vigo's new manager. Benitez has got an agreement in principal with Celta and will officially sign a three-year deal next month. He replaces ex-Swansea and Sheffield Wednesday manager Carlos Carvalhal at the helm.

Benitez's latest move is the next chapter in what is slowly becoming a journeyman career. He started his career within the Real Madrid youth set-up and worked his way up before eventually making his name with Valencia.

The now 63-year-old won two LaLiga titles before a hugely successful move to Liverpool. He won a whole host of trophies during his stint at Anfield including the Champions League and FA Cup.

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Since then, Benitez has had spells with Inter Milan, Chelsea, Napoli, Real Madrid and Newcastle. He moved to Chinese side Dalian Professional in 2019 before being tempted back to England and Merseyside with an offer from Everton.

Rafa Benitez was sacked by Everton last January (Getty Images)

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Despite a bright start, his time with Everton quickly fell apart and Benitez left after winning just seven of his 22 matches in charge. Now at Celta, he could play a pivotal role in the transfer business of a number of his former sides.

He now has midfielder Gabri Veiga at his disposal. The youngster is expected to leave after a standout breakthrough campaign with Chelsea and Liverpool reportedly interested in a move.

Veiga, just 21, scored 11 goals from the centre of the park last season including a a brace in a final day win over Barcelona that secured their spot in LaLiga on the final day of the campaign. They eventually went on to finish 13th in the standings - their lowest position in three years.

Losing Veiga will certainly be a big blow to Benitez as he attempts to put plans in place for next season. Meanwhile, Benitez will also hope that he can rely on Liverpool flop Iago Aspas.

The striker has become a legendary figure at the Spanish club since his time on Merseyside. He has hit double figures in each of the last eight seasons, with the 35-year-old again netting 12 last term.

Daniel Orme