Former Liverpool and Everton boss Rafael Benitez has been sacked by Celta Vigo after just eight months in charge.
Benitez, who oversaw Champions League and FA Cup triumphs during a largely successful six-year stint at Anfield between 2004 and 2010, took the Celta job last July.
His return to his native Spain came after a turbulent seven-month spell in charge of Everton, who narrowly avoided relegation from the Premier League after replacing him with Frank Lampard midway through the 2021-22 campaign.
Read our other Liverpool news stories here:
Michael Edwards back at Anfield as FSG chief exec
Jurgen Klopp labels his side ‘a gritty, annoying pain’
Klopp, and Mac Allister lament ‘clear’ penalty decision v Man City
Benitez won just five of his 28 league games in charge of Celta, who sit two points above the relegation zone in LaLiga following Sunday’s 4-0 defeat to leaders Real Madrid.
Celta narrowly avoided relegation from the Spanish top flight last season, beating Barcelona 2-1 in their final game of the campaign to pull clear of the drop zone.
𝗢𝗙𝗙𝗜𝗖𝗜𝗔𝗟 📣 Rafa Benítez and RC Celta part ways.
Our thanks to @RAFABENITEZWEB and his staff for the honesty and professionalism they have shown since their arrival at the club.
Best of luck and success in the future!
— RC Celta English (@RCCeltaEN) MARCH 12, 2024
In a statement released via the club’s social media channels on Tuesday, Celta thanked Benitez and his staff for their “involvement, honesty and professionalism” and wished them well for the future.
Celta are two points clear of 18th-placed Cadiz in LaLiga ahead of Sunday’s trip to Sevilla, with Almeria and Granada being cut adrift below them.
