Former Liverpool and Chelsea manager has been sacked by Celta Vigo, with the club sitting 17th in La Liga and in danger of relegation.
The 63-year-old only took over at Celta Vigo in July last year but has been dismissed after winning just nine of his 33 games in charge.
Only five of those victories came in La Liga and after a 4-0 defeat to Real Madrid on Sunday they are just two points above Cadiz in 18th and the club have decided to act.
A club statement 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.’
It has been a disappointing return to Spain for Benitez, in his first job in his home country since a short spell in charge of Real Madrid from June 2015 to January 2016.
Since then he became a popular figure at Newcastle United from March 2016 to June 2019 and then had stints at Chinese side Dalian Professional and Everton.
Next up for Celta Vigo is a trip to Sevilla on 17 March and then a crucial home game against Rayo Vallecano two weeks later.
Rayo are currently two points ahead of Celta in 16th.
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