Rafa Benitez Reveals He Was Offered Job As Roma Head Coach
Rafa Benitez has managed Inter and Napoli in Italy.
Giuseppe Labellarte
Updated on 28 January 2026
Rafa Benitez has revealed he had the chance to manage Roma in the past, admitting the Giallorossi’s interest pleased him.
The 65-year-old is head coach of Panathinaikos and was speaking ahead of his side’s Europa League match against Roma in Athens.
Benitez also sung Roma’s praises, calling them “a strong team” with a good coach and good players.
His comments have revived memories of a moment when Roma considered him, before the Spanish coach took other routes in his career.
Back in 2013, former Roma president Rosella Sensi revealed that she tried to bring Benitez to the Stadio Olimpico.
However, “a variety of reasons” meant Roma couldn’t get a deal over the line.
Rafa Benitez says Roma chance was real
Rafa Benitez told Sky Sport he “had the possibility” of coaching Roma, adding that he likes Italy and finds it a fascinating place to work.
He said Italian soccer is “very interesting for any coach”, especially when strong teams are involved.
Benitez suggested that Roma’s interest came when he was coaching at Inter and Napoli in the early to mid-2010s.
And while the Spaniard stressed that he was happy at Inter and Napoli, he still appreciated Roma’s interest at the time.
Panathinaikos-Roma, Benitez: “Io alla Roma? Ho avuto la possibilità di allenarla” #SkySport #SkyUEL #EuropaLeaguehttps://t.co/BpKF888kvf
— skysport (@SkySport) January 28, 2026
Benitez said: “When you have a strong team, a city behind it, and a coach with experience and the ability to manage, little by little you get where you need to be.
“The team is very strong, the players are good.
When pressed on prior interest from Roma, Benitez said: “Yes, I really like Italy. Everything there is very interesting for any coach.
“I was very happy at Inter and Napoli, but Roma has always been another strong team that interests all coaches.”
What Roma must do to progress in Europa League
Roma’s Europa League Phase concludes in Athens against Panathinaikos on Thursday evening.
Gian Piero Gasperini’s men will look to secure direct qualification to the last 16 on the final match-week.
To do so, Roma will need at least a draw against Rafa Benitez’s side to finish in the top eight.
Meanwhile, the teams ranked 9th to 24th contest the knockout play-offs with the winners advancing to the round of 16.
The two-legged play-offs are scheduled to take place on February 19 and February 26, 2026.
In other Roma news, Evan Ferguson’s ankle injury means he is likely to miss the next three games.
Elsewhere, Kostas Tsimikas could leave Roma and return to Liverpool.
Giuseppe Labellarte
Giuseppe Labellarte is a sports journalist with over a decade of professional experience in the industry. His main professional expertise is in soccer. Prior to joining FootItalia, he worked for the likes of Sports Mole, TBR Football, the Chelsea Chronicle and numerous other sites, along with having bylines in the likes of the Nottingham Post. He holds degrees in Journalism and International Relations.
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