Future of Panathinaikos coach Rafael Benitez remains under evaluation

Panathinaikos coach Rafael Benitez, who holds a contract until 2027, faces an evaluation by the club's management following the conclusion of the upcoming playoff matches. Despite reports of recent progress in team performance, club owner Giannis Alafouzos will make the final decision in May regarding the coach's continuity. Reports from sports media suggest that athletic director Baldini and advisor Kotsolis are not yet fully committed to retaining Benitez for the next season. While some sources claim rumors about his departure have diminished, others indicate that his position depends entirely on the team's performance across the six playoff derbies. The situation has been compared to the previous season's assessment of coach Rui Vitoria. No final internal decision has been officially announced as of March 26, 2026.