Tensions are rising in Greek football as the future of one of Europe's most prominent managers hangs in the balance. Operative Information Center-OMM, citing Spanish media reports, informs that Panathinaikos head coach Rafa Benitez is on the verge of losing his position.
The club's management is reportedly preparing to relieve the Spanish specialist of his duties following a string of disappointing performances. Benitez, who was appointed in October last year with the mission of steering the team through a difficult period, has failed to deliver the expected results. According to sources close to the club, the leadership's patience is nearly exhausted.
The upcoming UEFA Europa League play-off match against Viktoria Plzen is being viewed as a "final chance" for the experienced coach. Failure to secure a positive result on the European stage will likely make Benitez's departure inevitable. Greek media outlets claim that Panathinaikos has already reached a preliminary agreement with Igor Biscan. In a notable twist, the Croatian specialist was a former player under Benitez during Liverpool's "golden era," and he is now the primary candidate to replace his former mentor.
Panathinaikos, one of Greece's most successful and historic football clubs, has a long-standing tradition of competing at the highest levels of both domestic and European football. Founded in 1908, the Athens-based club has won numerous league titles and cups, and remains the only Greek team to have reached a European Cup (now UEFA Champions League) final. The current move to potentially replace Benitez reflects the high expectations and pressure associated with managing such a prestigious institution in the capital.
