Former Newcastle United and Liverpool manager sacked by La Liga club after Real Madrid defeat

Rafa Benitez departed from Newcastle United in 2019, marking his third club departure.

Rafa Benitez, the former Newcastle United manager

After Real Madrid humiliated Newcastle United 4-0, Celta Vigo fired former manager Rafa Benitez.

With the Sky Blues two points above the relegation zone, the Spaniard steps down from his position after just nine months in charge. Benitez’s first position after being fired by Everton two years prior was at Celta.

The tide quickly turned against the veteran coach after he made an early impression at Goodison Park, and the Toffees hierarchy quickly took action because of his connections to Liverpool. After returning to Spain, Benitez did not enjoy the same honeymoon period, as he only managed one league victory in his first sixteen games.

With just five wins in all of their La Liga games, the team fell into the relegation zone. After a poor performance at the Bernabeu on Sunday, Celta decided to take action.

A 4-0 thumping was secured by goals from Carlos Dominguez, Arda Guler, Vinicius Junior, and Vicente Guaita. Another of Benitez’s former teams, Real Madrid, added the last straw to solidify their position atop the league.

Only a few weeks have passed since Benitez convinced Javier Manquillo to quit Newcastle in January. In order to reconcile with the man who had brought him to Tyneside seven years prior, his Toon deal was terminated.

The 63-year-old’s dismissal was confirmed by a brief club statement, which cited his performance on the field. “After eight months of complete dedication and commitment, Rafael Benitez and his staff leave RC Celta,” the announcement stated. “Unfortunately, the team has not produced the outcomes the club had hoped for.”

“The club would like to thank Rafa Benítez and his assistants from the bottom of our hearts for their unwavering work ethic, professionalism, and honesty since joining. Additionally, RC Celta wishes them luck and prosperity in the future.”