Rafa Benitez has been sacked by La Liga strugglers Celta Vigo after winning just one of his last five matches in charge of the Spanish side, who are battling relegation
The Spanish club have decided to part ways with the former Liverpool and Everton boss following a less-than-stellar period in charge. Benitez took over the La Liga team back in June, making a return to management nearly 18 months after leaving Everton.
However, the 63-year-old had a tough time after his appointment and was let go on Tuesday afternoon after winning just one of his last five matches. During his stint at Celta, Benitez won nine out of his 33 games and leaves the club just outside the relegation zone.
A statement from the club read: “Rafa Benitez and his coaching staff leave RC Celta after eight months of absolute commitment and full dedication, but in which the team has not obtained the results expected by the club.
The club would like to express its most sincere gratitude to Rafa Benitez and his assistants for the involvement, honesty and professionalism they have shown since their arrival and the tireless work they have done. RC Celta also wants to wish them good luck and success in the future.”
Benitez has left his job just weeks after he said he might want to be the England manager one day. He told The Athletic: “That is always a dangerous question as there is a manager who is doing the job well. I even have friends on Southgate’s staff. We have a very good relationship.
But, thinking about the future, I’d like to have a national team capable of competing for trophies. I suffer a lot with defeats. When you are in a team which does not lose so often, you get used to competing to win things. So I would like to have a national team capable of achieving things – but again, all in the future.
