Rafa Benítez sacked by struggling Celta Vigo after eight months in charge

Celta Vigo have parted ways with Rafa Benítez and his staff eight months after their appointment. Celta are 17th in La Liga, two points above the relegation zone, after Sunday’s 4-0 loss at the leaders, Real Madrid.

The team “has not obtained the results expected by the club” during the former Real Madrid, Liverpool and Chelsea manager’s tenure, Celta said in a statement. “The club would like to express to Rafa Benítez and his assistants its most sincere gratitude for the honesty and professionalism they have shown since their arrival,” they added.

Celta played fellow strugglers Cadíz and Almería in their two matches before facing Madrid, conceding an equaliser against Cadíz 10 minutes into second-half stoppage time after being 2-0 up and beating Almería after the league’s bottom side, without a win, had a player sent off.