The 63-year-old Spaniard has been out of the game since Everton fired him in January 2022. Benitez, who previously worked as Chelsea’s temporary manager, has signed a 3 year contract with the La Liga club.
He takes over for Carlos Carvalhal, who left at the end of the season after assisting Celta in avoiding relegation. Celta finished 13th, three points above the relegation zone, after defeating champions Barcelona on the final day to ensure their safety.
The club said former Inter Milan, Real Madrid and Napoli manager Benitez “has extensive experience on the bench with a career that is difficult to match”.
Benitez won the 2005 Champions League, the 2006 FA Cup, the 2013 Europa League with Chelsea and the 2005 Champions League and 2006 FA Cup with Liverpool. Additionally, he led Newcastle to Championship promotion.