Rafa Benitez, 63, SACKED by Celta Vigo after just eight months in charge after ex-Liverpool boss flirts with England job

RAFA BENITEZ has been sacked by Celta Vigo after just eight months at the club.

The former Liverpool manager, 63, has won just one of his last five matches in charge of the LaLiga side.

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Rafa Benitez has been sacked after just eight months at Celta Vigo[/caption]

And he departs with Celta 17th in Spain’s top flight, just two points above the relegation zone after five wins from 28 league games.

A club statement on social media, which comes two days after Celta’s 4-0 loss to Real Madrid, read: “Rafa Benitez and his staff leave RC Celta after eight months of absolute dedication and total commitment, but in which the team has not obtained the results expected by the club.

“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 and the tireless work they have done.

“RC Celta would also like to wish them the best of luck and success in the future.”

Benitez’s exit comes just weeks after he flirted with the idea of managing Spain or England if Gareth Southgate was to leave following this summer’s Euros.

Last month, he told The Athletic: “That is always a dangerous question as there is a manager who is doing the job well. I even have friends on Southgate’s staff. We have a very good relationship.

“But, thinking about the future, I’d like to have a national team capable of competing for trophies. I suffer a lot with defeats.

“When you are in a team which does not lose so often, you get used to competing to win things.

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“So I would like to have a national team capable of achieving things – but again, all in the future.”

Southgate, 53, is out of contract at the end of the year and had previously hinted he would be ready to quit after the Euros.

Benitez boasts an impressive managerial trophy cabinet including the Champions League, two LaLiga titles, Uefa Cup, FA Cup, Club World Cup and Europa League.

But the ex-Valencia, Inter Milan, Napoli, Real Madrid, Newcastle and Everton boss is not one of the frontrunners to replace Southgate.

Eddie Howe and Graham Potter are leading the way as the bookies’ favourites to become the next England manager.