Champions League is fertile ground for new managers – but knowhow could be key later on

The Guardian examines the Champions League campaigns of several managers still in the early phase of their tenures at elite clubs. Luis Enrique at Paris Saint-Germain, Vincent Kompany at Bayern Munich, and Mikel Arteta at Arsenal are all navigating their first or second European campaigns with title-challenging squads. The piece contrasts the attacking, possession-based philosophies these coaches have brought to European nights with the more pragmatic, experience-driven approach traditionally associated with José Mourinho. It argues that while fresh tactical ideas can thrive in the group phase, the knockout rounds — with their tighter margins and tactical cat-and-mouse — tend to reward managers who have accumulated Champions League knowhow over multiple deep runs.