Rafa Benitez Returns to Management with Celta Vigo
After 17 months out of the game, Rafa Benitez has taken up his first job since being sacked by Everton. The Spaniard will be managing Celta Vigo in LaLiga next season, and one of his players will be former Liverpool striker Iago Aspas.
Benitez’s Break from Football
Benitez had been out of work since his dismissal from Goodison Park at the start of 2022. He revealed in an interview with the BBC Football Daily podcast in February that he had turned down “nearly 20 offers from national teams and countries.” His preference was to stay in the Premier League, though it has now been confirmed that the 63-year-old will take charge of Celta Vigo after they announced an agreement in principle.
Celta Vigo’s Recent History
Celta Vigo finished 13th in LaLiga last season, with Carlos Carvalhal departing the club at the end of the campaign by mutual consent. Among Benitez’s team-mates, at least currently, is Spain under-21s midfielder Gabri Veiga, though he is expected to depart this summer with Liverpool among his suitors.
Celta Vigo’s highest LaLiga finish in recent years is sixth, which they achieved in 2015/16 to replicate their success in 1970/71. Their most notable honours are three Segunda Division titles and the Intertoto Cup, which they beat Zenit Saint Petersburg to win in 2000 – having seen off Aston Villa along the way.
Benitez’s Record at Liverpool and Beyond
Benitez is best known for his time at Liverpool, where he won the Champions League in 2005 and the FA Cup in 2006, as well as coming close to winning the Premier League title in 2008/09. He also won two LaLiga titles with Valencia, as well as the Europa League with Chelsea and the Coppa Italia with Napoli.
Benitez will be hoping to bring some of that success to Celta Vigo next season, and his return to management will be eagerly anticipated by fans of Spanish football.
Conclusion
Rafa Benitez has returned to management after 17 months out of the game, taking up the reins at Celta Vigo in LaLiga. The Spaniard is best known for his time at Liverpool, where he won the Champions League and FA Cup, but he also has a wealth of experience from his time at Valencia, Chelsea, Napoli and Real Madrid.
Benitez will be hoping to bring some of that success to Celta Vigo next season, and his return to management will be eagerly anticipated by fans of Spanish football.