Rafa Benitez has indicated he is open to the possibility of becoming Scotland's next manager, following Steve Clarke's resignation after the team's World Cup elimination. The former Liverpool, Real Madrid, and Chelsea boss, currently out of work after leaving Panathinaikos, told talkSPORT he watched Scotland's campaign closely.
Benitez Offers Pragmatic Assessment of Scotland's World Cup Performance
Scotland secured a 1-0 victory over Haiti but suffered consecutive defeats to Morocco and Brazil, failing to advance as one of the best third-placed teams. Benitez commented: “I think you did well to go there to the World Cup. They achieved what they could achieve. I don’t think that they could have achieved any more.”
Steve Clarke's Departure Sparks Managerial Search
Clarke quit after Scotland's elimination was confirmed, despite having signed a new four-year deal weeks earlier. The Scottish Football Association (SFA) is now seeking a replacement ahead of the Nations League and Euro 2028 qualifying campaigns.
When asked about the Scotland job, Benitez stated: “It’s always a challenge. So I am open to the challenge. I’m open to international football, to national teams, because I think that you can do a different kind of job.” Pressed further, he insisted: “No, no, it wasn’t a no.”
Other Candidates in the Running
Current Everton boss Davie Moyes is the bookmakers' favorite for the position. Other contenders include Falkirk's John McGlynn, Millwall's Alex Neil, current Scotland coach Steven Naismith, and former Belgium and Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez.
