Max Wilkins

Wed 5 March 2025 15:40, UK

Rafa Benitez could be set to land a new managerial role three years after leaving Everton.

It is fair to say that the Spaniard was far from popular during his spell at Goodison Park after coming in to replace Carlo Ancelotti in June 2021.

The 64-year-old’s prior links to Liverpool meant the head coach was destined to fail on the other side of Merseyside and ultimately had a difficult spell in charge.

Now it appears that the former Reds boss could be in line for a new job in the UK after leaving L4 back in January 2022.

Benitez in line for Rangers takeover

The former Real Madrid manager only took charge of 22 games with the Evertonians and there is no doubt that he deserved to face the sack.

After this, the Spanish head coach has only managed one other side in the shape of Celta Vigo where he was also shown the door after less than a year.

Benitez has since gone 12 months without a job but his unemployed spell could be set to come to an end after being linked with a move to Scottish Championship side Rangers.

This has been met with mixed reviews in Glasgow but is safe to say that Scottish football journalist Daniel Caw isn’t sold on the idea of him taking over from Barry Ferguson.

Speaking on the Record Sport’s Hotline Live (5 March), he said: “Rafa Benitez’ last few jobs haven’t been great. Look what happened at Everton when he was there, that was a disaster. Real Madrid was a disaster.

“He left Celta Vigo almost a year to the day, his last job, just outside the relegation zone. Even if Rangers could get Rafa Benitez, I’m not sure that it would be the wisest of moves.”

Rangers brave to take Benitez risk after Everton stint

There have been many difficult spells in recent year at Goodison Park but things finally look set to be on the way up in the coming months.

Benitez’s stint was poor but was followed by the introduction of Frank Lampard who was able to keep the Toffees in the Premier League.

This was reflected by Sean Dyche who was able to match that feat against all the odds despite multiple Premier League points deductions.

With David Moyes now at the helm and the Friedkins in as new owners, there is finally some positivity surrounding the L4 club.

Although this is the case on Merseyside now, hiring Benitez at Ibrox could prove to be the continuation of a difficult spell as they fall even further behind Celtic.

It will certainly be interesting to see whether the Light Blues bring the Spaniard in but it will be met by mixed reviews from supporters based on his failure with the Toffees.