The Champions League has seen some of the best managers field teams over the years. Some of them have won the competition multiple times, while others have nothing to show for years of trying. Here, we take a look at the managers with the most Champions League games managed.
Top 5 managers with the most Champions League games under their belt
5. Jose Mourinho – 151 games
The Special One has lifted the trophy with Porto and Inter, while drawing blanks with Chelsea, Real Madrid and Tottenham. He currently manages Roma, who are in the Europa League after winning the inaugural Conference League last season.
4. Pep Guardiola – 158 games
In spite of managing 158 Champions League games, Pep Guardiola has only won the Champions League with Barcelona. He has been unable to replicate his success with Bayern Munich, and now, Manchester City. The Sky Blues made it to the finals in 2021 before losing to Chelsea, and are in the semi-finals this season again.
3. Arsene Wenger – 188 games
While Guardiola has won a solitary UCL so far, Wenger managed 188 games without winning the title. He led Arsenal to the finals, but could not pass the final test in order to cement himself as one of the greatest in the competition.
2. Sir Alex Ferguson – 190 games
Wenger’s iconic rival, and arguably Manchester United’s greatest legend, Sir Alex Ferguson won the Champions League twice, having managed 190 games. One of them was the historic treble win with United in 1999, while the other came in 2008.
1. Carlo Ancelotti – 190 games
The Italian has won more Champions League titles than any other manager with 4 to his name. He also achieved the feat twice as a player. And when Real Madrid face Manchester City in their second leg semi-final tie next week, he will lead the list of managers with the most Champions League games overseen, surpassing Sir Alex Ferguson, with 191 to his name.
