Rafa Benitez 'facing sack' after being handed record-breaking contract

Rafael Benitez is reportedly on the verge of another sacking, just four months after being handed a record-breaking contract.

The well-travelled 65-year-old, whose previous clubs include Liverpool, Inter Milan, Real Madrid and Newcastle, penned a two-and-a-half-year deal with Greek Super League side Panathinaikos in October.

He was made the highest-paid head coach in Greek Super League history after signing a contract worth £4.4million per season.

But the Spaniard has failed to hit the ground running in Athens, with Panathinaikos currently sitting fifth in the league table, 16 points behind leaders AEK Athens.

Benitez's future in Greece is in doubt. Image credit: Getty

In fact, those behind the scenes at Panathinaikos are frustrated by Benitez's methods, according to a report from The Sun, which has detailed a so-called 'dressing room revolt' at the club.

Some players are believed to be unhappy with pre-match preparations under Benitez as they believe 'there is not enough tactical analysis to help them get organised' for upcoming opponents.

Such is the state of affairs, his position as head coach has become 'untenable 'after their draw against AEL on Sunday. It is said that Panathinaikos’ next two games against Viktoria Plzen and OFI will determine Benitez's future.

So, who would take charge if Benitez was sacked? The club have already identified former Liverpool defender Igor Biscan as a potential replacement, according to Sport24.

In fact, talks have reportedly taken place between Panathinaikos and Biscan, who played under Rafael Benitez at Liverpool and was part of their Champions League-winning squad in 2005.

Biscan last managed Qatari side Al Ahli following spells at Olimpija Ljubljana, Rijeka and Dinamo Zagreb.

Igor Biscan last managed Qatar's Al Ahli. Image credit: Getty

Benitez took the job at Panathinaikos following a difficult spell at La Liga side Celta Vigo, where he lasted just nine months after picking up five wins and 24 points from 28 matches.

His last major trophy came in 2014, when he won the Coppa Italia with Serie A side Napoli.