Very close to agreeing with Rafa Benitez, to become the successor of Matthias Almeida in her technical leadership AEKthe Union is alleged to be, according to Spanish Marca.
“Rafa Benitez seems to be very close to starting a new chapter in his long coaching career,” Marca said, adding: “The Madrilos technician has reached an agreement with AEK to take over the technical leadership of the Greek team, replacing Argentina.”
Always according to the Spanish media report, “AEK’s technical director, Javier Ribalta, recently met Benitez to present the team’s plan for the following season.
AEK’s intention is clear: to exploit the experience and international prestige of the Spanish technician, who has sat on the bench of top teams such as Real Madrid, Valencia, Liverpool and Napoli, among others.
As Marca points out, Benitez’s possible arrival in AEK is part of a growing trend that wants Spanish coaches to leave a strong “footprint” in Greek football, referring to Ernesto Valverde, Mitchell Gonzalez, Manolo Him.
The report notes that AEK’s intention is to take advantage of Benitez’s experience and prestige (who has trained teams such as Real, Valencia, Liverpool and Napoli). He concludes, however, by still opening the matter and stressing that the final decision will be made in the coming weeks.
However, AEK denies that there is an agreement with a coach, stressing that the “yellow -black” administration is making the necessary moves on this issue, in extreme secrecy.