\n<\/p>\n
Rafael Benitez has opened the door to a sensational return to the Premier League after leaving Greek club Panathinaikos, insisting he still has the desire and experience to take on another major coaching job.<\/p>\n
The former Liverpool, Chelsea and Newcastle United manager has been out of a job since Panathinaikos sacked him in May. <\/p>\n
Benitez recently reflected on his time in Greece and opened up on the events leading up to his abrupt exit. He put it down to a lack of clarity and patience on the club\u2019s part.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe target was to finish in the top four,\u201d Benitez told talkSPORT. \u201cAnd then we started \u2013 we were seventh, and then we started doing well.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe were the best team in the second part of the league (season). We were doing so well that they changed the targets.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd as soon as we lost the derby \u2013 normally the derby against Olympiacos is massive \u2013 we lost the derby, and they panicked, and they changed their minds.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut anyway, it\u2019s a great experience because, to be fair, the fans and even the president were fine. <\/p>\n
\u201cBut the way that they work here in Greece, they change their coaches all the time. And they are not patient. I think it\u2019s also the same around the world.\u201d<\/p>\n
When asked about a potential Premier League return, the Spanish manager admitted he would be open to it but acknowledged it may not be easy.<\/p>\n
Benitez is part of the \u2018old guard\u2019 whose tactical ideas may not align with modern football, so clubs will be cautious about giving him a shot despite his status in the game.<\/p>\n
Nevertheless, the Spaniard insists that he is fully prepared for another opportunity in the Premier League and also admitted he\u2019s open to offers from Serie A as well.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere are not too many teams in England, in the Premier League, that will say, \u2018okay, we\u2019ll go for him\u2019,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n
\u201cBecause now, they go for the young coaches that play progressive football, these kinds of things. But we are ready for another challenge.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd then we are considering not just the Premier League but Serie A \u2013 any league that, if you can stay around Europe, will be fine. <\/p>\n
\u201cIf not, you have to think about maybe a national team or maybe another project. But to be fair, we are ready again because we have been working on football all our lives and we enjoy that.\u201d<\/p>\n
Benitez is one of the most experienced managers of his generation. He led Liverpool to their famous Champions League victory in 2005 before winning the FA Cup the following season.<\/p>\n
He also won the Europa League at Chelsea and led Newcastle back to the Premier League by winning the Championship title in 2016\/17.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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