Rafa Benitez is no longer coach of Celta Vigo. The relegation-threatened Spanish first division club announced the departure of the 63-year-old on Tuesday
At the end of June last year, Rafa Benitez took up his 14th position in his coaching career. The Spaniard succeeded Carlos Carvalhal at Celta Vigo, who left the traditional club from Galicia at the end of last season. After a season in mid-table – Celta finished 13th in 2022/23 – the club is now in the midst of a relegation battle in La Liga.
The 4-0 defeat at Benitez’s former club Real Madrid last Sunday was their 14th loss of the season, which currently means they are 17th. Although Celta are still two points ahead of Cadiz, the situation is too precarious for those responsible. On Tuesday, the club announced that it had parted company with Rafa Benitez after just eight months at the helm
Not achieving the expected results
The 63-year-old “and his coaching staff are leaving Celta after eight months of total commitment and dedication, during which the team has not achieved the results expected by the club”, a club statement read. “The club would like to express its most sincere gratitude to Rafa Benitez and his assistants for the commitment, honesty and professionalism they have shown since their arrival, as well as for the tireless work they have done”, the Galicians continued.
Benitez, whose contract at Celta would have been valid until 2026, will therefore return to a period of non-union. Benitez has won major titles on his CV: he won the Champions League with Liverpool in 2005 and was Spanish champion twice with Valencia (2001/02, 2003/04). It is not yet known who will take over his vacant position at the Spanish first division club
