Former Liverpool and Real Madrid boss Rafa Benitez has admitted he is open to taking on the Scotland national team job, describing international management as “interesting”. The 66-year-old Spaniard is out of work after leaving Greek side Panathinaikos at the end of last season and is among the names being considered by the Scottish FA, who are searching for a successor to Steve Clarke.
Clarke stepped down following Scotland’s early exit from the World Cup, just a month after signing a new four-year contract. The SFA are working through a shortlist, with chief executive Ian Maxwell insisting they want to appoint “the right coach” as soon as possible.
Benitez keen on international challenge
Speaking to Sky Sports News, Benitez said:
“I'm open to international football. It's a different way, it's a different approach. You have players that go fully motivated, and then you can organise the team in a way that they will be proud for the country. It's not like when you have, in Panathinaikos, 33 players in the squad. So how can you motivate the ones that will not play any games? The national team is different, so it's another challenge. Yeah, it could be interesting.”
Asked specifically about the vacant post at Hampden Park, he added:
“I'm open to all the good countries, yes.”
The former Valencia and Napoli manager lifted the Champions League with Liverpool in 2005 and also won a Serie A title with Inter Milan, delivering the sort of elite-level CV that would excite the Tartan Army.
A crowded field of contenders
Benitez is not the only high-profile name in the frame. Roberto Martínez, who recently left his role as Portugal boss, has emerged as the bookmakers’ favourite. Others linked include current Everton manager David Moyes, Falkirk’s John McGlynn, Millwall’s Alex Neil, and Scotland assistant Steven Naismith, who could be handed the job on an interim basis if an appointment is delayed.
With September’s Nations League fixtures against Slovenia and Switzerland looming, the SFA may need to act quickly. Scotland were relegated to League B after a play-off defeat to Greece last year and will be desperate to start the campaign under a permanent manager.
Squad evolution the next big task
Whoever takes over will inherit a squad that reached back-to-back European Championships under Clarke but is now in transition. Captain Andy Robertson, 32, is closing in on 100 caps, but a number of senior players—including Craig Gordon (43), Grant Hanley (34) and Kenny McLean (34)—are likely to have played their last major tournament. The new boss will need to blend emerging talents such as Ben Doak and Findlay Curtis with the established core, while also addressing a goalkeeping succession problem.
Key Takeaways
- Rafa Benitez is open to becoming Scotland head coach, calling the prospect “interesting”.
- The Scottish FA are compiling a shortlist of candidates to replace Steve Clarke.
- Roberto Martínez is the bookmakers’ favourite, with David Moyes and Steven Naismith also linked.
- Scotland resume competitive action in the Nations League away to Slovenia on 26 September.
- The new manager must refresh an ageing squad while building towards Euro 2028 and the next World Cup.
Quick Facts
Manager: Rafa Benitez
Age: 66
Last club: Panathinaikos (left summer 2026)
Honours: Champions League (2005), FA Cup (2006), La Liga (2x), UEFA Cup (2004), Serie A (2010)
Scotland’s next fixture: Slovenia (A) – 26 September 2026