Official: Ex-Chelsea boss becomes Cyriel Dessers’ coach at Panathinaikos

Cyriel Dessers will work with his third coach in three months since joining Panathinaikos three months ago….

Greek Super League club Panathinaikos have announced the appointment of Former Chelsea coach Rafael Benitez as their new coach, Soccernet.ng reports.

Panathinaikos have had an interesting start to the season. They sacked Rui Vitoria last month after they lost to newly-promoted Kifisia in their third game of the Greek Super League season.

Since then, Christos Kontis has been working as interim coach, even as the club has been linked with many tacticians in recent weeks.

But now, following Panathinaikos' 3-1 loss in the Europa League on Thursday, the club has confirmed the appointment of Benitez as their new coach.

The 67-year-old Spanish tactician has a big CV, having coached in Italy, Spain, and England. He has also won the UEFA Champions League and the Europa League.

According to Transfer News Live, Benitez has signed a two-year contract, which will make him the highest-paid coach in Super League history.

Former Liverpool and Real Madrid boss Rafael Benítez is set for a return to the dugout as the Spaniard is expected to become the new manager of Greek side Panathinaikos.

He will become the highest-paid boss in Super League 1's history.

Having been away from the dugout for 19… pic.twitter.com/LqWviy1UOT

— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) October 24, 2025

How Rafa Benitez Can Help Cyriel Dessers At Panathinaikos

Rafael Benitez has worked with some of the best players in the world, and that includes strikers.

Benitez has worked with stars like Fernando Torres, Gonzalo Higuain, Peter Crouch, Cristiano Ronaldo, Samuel Eto'o. So he won't have any problems working with Cyriel Dessers.

Benitez will be Dessers' third coach at Panathinaikos since he joined from Rangers three months ago. Nonetheless, Dessers can still learn a lot from Benitez, who has a wealth of experience.

The Super Eagles star will hope that he shines under his new boss.