As the 2026-27 Champions League begins, the competition features a mix of long-serving managers and recent appointees, with historical data showing success for both groups.

The 2026-27 Champions League season begins this Tuesday with a diverse range of managerial tenures among the 36 participating clubs. Fourteen clubs are led by managers who have been in their roles for less than a year, while another 14 managers have been in charge for at least two years. The remaining eight managers are entering their first full season at their respective clubs.

Historical Success of New Managers

History shows that being new to a club is not a barrier to winning the Champions League. Several managers have secured the title in their first campaign, including Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid and Zinedine Zidane, who won three consecutive titles during his first stint at the club. Pep Guardiola and Luis Enrique also achieved victory in their first seasons at Barcelona, while Hansi Flick won a treble in his debut season at Bayern Munich.

Experience Levels and Betting Favorites

Despite the success of new managers, betting markets currently favor established coaches. Paris Saint-Germain, managed by Luis Enrique, are the favorites, followed by Barcelona, Arsenal, and Bayern Munich. These clubs are led by some of the longest-serving managers in the competition. Conversely, the next four favorites are all led by managers who took charge this year. Real Madrid’s new manager, José Mourinho, provides a unique case, as he is a newcomer to his current club but has managed 160 Champions League matches, the fifth-highest total in history. His experience exceeds the combined total of the 24 least experienced managers in the competition.