Veteran Spanish coach Rafael Benitez, who has had stints with Liverpool, Chelsea, Real Madrid, Napoli and Inter Milan, has reportedly turned down an African football giant.
Egyptian giants Al Ahly have reportedly been rejected by Spanish coach Rafael Benitez whom they wanted to take over the hot seat.
The Cairo Red Devils parted ways with veteran Swiss coach Marcel Koller last weekend following their elimination from the CAF Champions League by South African giants Mamelodi Sundowns.
Al Ahly were on close to making it to their third straight final in the semi-final second leg at the Cairo International Stadium on Friday, having been leading 1-0 until the 90th minute, when Sundowns equalised for 1-1 on aggregate to make it to the final on the away goals rule.
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South African giants Mamelodi Sundowns and Egyptian side Pyramids will face off in the CAF Champions League final after dramatic semi-final second legs on Friday.
That saw the African champions eliminated and a day later, Koller was shown the door despite having won 12 trophies that included two Champions League and as many Egyptian Premier League crowns.
Al Ahly started the process of replacing him quickly and contacted Benitez but the former Liverpool, Real Madrid, Chelsea, Inter Milan and Newcastle United coach was not interested, according to Africa Soccer.
Benitez, who is out of work since his sacking from La Liga side Celta Vigo in March 2024, is reportedly looking for offers in Europe and has no desire for an adventure in North Africa.
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Al Ahly have appointed former player Emad El-Nahhas as coach on interim basis until the end of the season with Mohamed Shawky as his assistant.
Former Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig coach Marco Rose is among names that have been linked with the Al Ahly job.
