Rafa Benitez sacked by Celta Vigo as ex-Liverpool and Everton boss suffers horror eight-month run

Rafa Benitez has been sacked by Celta Vigo after a horror run of only five La Liga victories in his eight months in charge.

The Spanish club have decided to part ways with the former Liverpool and Everton boss following a less-than-stellar period in charge. Benitez took over the La Liga team back in June, making a return to management nearly 18 months after leaving Everton.

However, the 63-year-old had a tough time after his appointment and was let go on Tuesday afternoon after winning just one of his last five matches. During his stint at Celta, Benitez won nine out of his 33 games and leaves the club just outside the relegation zone.

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Celta are currently 17th with five wins and nine draws from 28 games, two points above 18th-place Cadiz in the bottom three. The Sky Blues have decided to make a change and let go of Benitez as they head into the run-in. Celta's next game is when they travel to Sevilla this weekend in a crucial match in their battle for survival.

A statement from the club read: "Rafa Benitez and his coaching staff leave RC Celta after eight months of absolute commitment and full dedication, but in which the team has not obtained the results expected by the club.

"The club would like to express its most sincere gratitude to Rafa Benitez and his assistants for the involvement, honesty and professionalism they have shown since their arrival and the tireless work they have done. RC Celta also wants to wish them good luck and success in the future."

Benitez has left his job just weeks after he said he might want to be the England manager one day.