Super Eagles striker Cyriel Dessers will now play under legendary Spanish manager Rafa Benitez at Panathinaikos.
The appointment of the 65-year-old tactician was officially announced on Friday after signing a two-and-a-half-year contract with the Greek giants. He replaces Rui Vitória, who was dismissed in September following a disappointing run of results.
Benitez’s appointment marks his return to management for the first time since parting ways with Celta Vigo in 2024.
The former Liverpool, Chelsea, and Real Madrid boss inherits a Panathinaikos side currently sitting seventh in the Greek Super League table, with two wins, three draws, and one defeat from six matches. The team has also struggled in the UEFA Europa League, managing just one win and suffering two losses in three group-stage games.
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Dessers, who joined Panathinaikos from Scottish champions Rangers in the summer, has scored twice in four appearances but has been sidelined since September due to a sprain.
Meanwhile, Benitez is reported to have become the highest-paid manager in Greek football history, earning an estimated €3.9 million per year
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