Benitez brings a high-profile club background and extensive experience of managing under pressure. He has worked at some of Europe’s biggest teams and is reportedly out of work after leaving Panathinaikos at the end of last season.
International football would demand a different rhythm. There would be less time on the training ground, fewer opportunities to reshape the squad and a greater reliance on understanding the strengths of a settled group. Benitez’s ability to organise teams and prepare for major opponents could appeal to the Scottish FA.
“I was watching Scotland and I know some of the players,” he said, praising their achievement in reaching the World Cup. “They achieved what they could achieve. I don’t think that they could have achieved any more.”
Scotland’s search began sooner than expected after Clarke stepped down following the confirmation of their World Cup elimination. The next manager will inherit a team that reached the tournament but could not progress beyond the group stage.
Benitez is one of several names linked with the role, with David Moyes, John McGlynn, Alex Neil, Steven Naismith and Roberto Martinez also reportedly under consideration in various discussions.
The Scottish FA must now decide whether it wants continuity, a domestic appointment or the international experience of a coach such as Benitez. The next Nations League campaign will provide the first test, before attention turns to Euro 2028 qualifying-and whether Benitez’s openness develops into a formal candidacy.