“Luis Enrique and Arteta favorites in the Champions League, but experience matters.”

Luis Enrique, after lifting the Champions League trophy in Budapest last season, leads a new generation of coaches aiming to achieve European glory. With a mix of newcomers and veterans, the 2026-27 edition of the competition promises to be a fertile ground for surprises, although experience may be a crucial factor as the tournament progresses.

This season, 14 of the 36 clubs are under the guidance of coaches who have held their positions for less than a year. While the turnover of coaches in the Champions League does not reach the levels seen in the Premier League, where 11 of the 20 coaches were appointed in 2026, the diversity in the experiences of these headliners is noteworthy. Among them are those who have managed over 100 games in the competition and others who have yet to gain any experience.

The history of the Champions League shows that many coaches have succeeded in their first season at the helm of a team. Notable examples include Carlo Ancelotti, who won the competition in his first year with Real Madrid, and Zinedine Zidane, who claimed three consecutive titles early in his tenure. Pep Guardiola and Luis Enrique also made their mark, winning the competition in their first year with Barcelona. This pattern of success inspires hope that new coaches, such as Andoni Iraola at Liverpool, may achieve similar feats.

Despite the appeal of newcomers, betting houses favor more experienced coaches. Paris Saint-Germain is the favorite, not only for the quality of its squad but also for the stability that Luis Enrique brings in his fourth year at the helm. Following are Barcelona, Arsenal, and Bayern Munich, all led by managers who have been in charge for a significant amount of time, while a group of new coaches emerges as potential surprises.

Among the veterans, José Mourinho stands out as one of the most experienced, with 160 matches in the Champions League, the fifth-best record in history. He, alongside Ancelotti, who leads with 218 matches, and other big names like Alex Ferguson and Guardiola, brings a wealth of experience that could be crucial in the group stage. Mourinho, who takes the reins of Real Madrid this season, is determined to progress beyond the round of 16, a goal he has not achieved since 2014.

As the competition begins, a crucial fact is the need to accumulate 16 points in the group stage, a mark that has guaranteed progression to the knockout stage. Regardless of experience, the first challenge for any coach will be to secure a place above the playoff positions. Knowledge of the Champions League could be decisive as teams battle for European glory.