In 1979, Benítez was selected to play for the Spain Youth U-19s at the World Student Games in Mexico City.
During the 1996–97 season, Benítez took charge at Osasuna in the Segunda División but after only 9 games and one win he was sacked. n 2001 Benítez was appointed coach of Valencia, replacing Héctor Cúper. In 2004-2006 he was the coach in the "Liverpool".