The 10 managers with the best points-per-game ratio in Champions League history have been revealed. Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta is already very high on the list, according to Transfermarkt's findings.
While it’s often easier to judge a head coach by the silverware in the cabinet, their record in Europe’s premier competition can offer a clearer measure of consistency - especially for those who regularly go deep but don’t always have the squad depth to land the knockout blow.
Indeed, this metric provides an intriguing insight into the most reliable tacticians on the continent. Notably, some big names are missing from the list, including Jose Mourinho, Sir Alex Ferguson, and Jurgen Klopp - all of whom have conquered Europe at various points. It just goes to show that even among the elite, not every route to the summit looks the same.
Managers with Best Points-per-game Ratios in UCL History
The Champions League trophy on display.
10. Thomas Tuchel - 1.96ppg (67 matches)
Having reached the Champions League final with Paris Saint-Germain in 2020, Thomas Tuchel then went one further a year on with Chelsea, spearheading the Blues to a victory over Pep Guardiola's Man City side. Such is his constant desire to achieve more and more, he has now turned his attention to helping England to a first World Cup title in 60 years, and so his points-per-game tally just shy of two isn't set to change for a little while.
9. Louis van Gaal - 1.97ppg (95 matches)
Today's kids will know Louis van Gaal better for his time at Manchester United, which presented itself as mission impossible from the get-go. But previously, the Dutchman had gotten to two finals with Ajax and another with Bayern Munich, with his sole triumph coming with the former, with Patrick Kluivert's goal the difference in the 1-0 win over Milan in 1995. The Dutch giants have rarely been the same since he departed, which is a show of just how good Van Gaal was back in his day.
8. Zinedine Zidane - 2.02ppg (53 matches)
It's surprising to learn that Zidane isn't higher than eighth, considering he won three of the five titles he competed for during his time as Real Madrid head honcho, including three in a row during his first stint. But with Los Blancos usually finding their best form deep into the business end, some shock group-stage results hold him back on this list.
Zinedine Zidane
Zinedine Zidane
7. Pep Guardiola - 2.04ppg (191 matches)
Being the shot-caller at Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Manchester City certainly comes with its perks for Guardiola, and the fact he's never managed anyone who hadn't already got all the ingredients for instant success means he's another who'd have been expected to rank higher. But 191 matches are by far the most managed by any of his rivals that make it, and he won't be mad about owning three winners' medals.
6. Frank Rijkaard - 2.05ppg (40 matches)
In contrast to Guardiola, Frank Rijkaard had a short - but very much glorious - attempt at Champions League management. He led Barcelona to victory in the 2005/06 edition, also sweeping a remarkable five managerial awards as a result.
5. Luis Enrique - 2.06ppg (77 matches)
Celebrated as the one to finally end PSG's search for that all-elusive first Champions League mantle, Luis Enrique could yet retain that maiden title after beating Bayern Munich in this year's semi-final in what was a straight shootout against the German giants. Capable of bringing the best out of players, and realising big names don't always equal success, the Spaniard had previously won it all with Barcelona, too, making him one of the best managers around.
luis enrique champions league psg
4. Mikel Arteta - 2.16ppg (38 matches)
Arsenal's steely-eyed Mikel Arteta is the highest-ranking Premier League boss on the list. Indeed, his sample pool is a lot smaller at 38 matches, but that should take nothing away from the fact he's set up the Gunners in such a way that they hardly ever lose, which has seen the rest of the continent follow suit as set-pieces and a defence-first mentality have come back into vogue over the last few terms.
3. Vincent Kompany - 2.21 (27 matches)
Vincent Kompany is another with a small sample size, but another young footballing brain that seems destined to make his old employer, Guardiola, proud. With domestic superiority all but confirmed year in and year out for Bayern Munich, extra weight is put on their efforts in the Champions League, but with a frontline that has scored over 100 goals this season in Luis Diaz, Harry Kane, and Michael Olise, another highpoint is surely only a season or two away.
2. Jupp Heynckes - 2.26 (47 matches)
Jupp Heynckes managed 47 Champions League matches, winning 32, drawing six, and losing just nine. He won the competition twice - with Real Madrid in 1998 and Bayern Munich in 2013 - and holds the tournament record for the longest consecutive winning streak, with 11 successive wins during the 2012-13 and 2017-8 seasons.
1. Hansi Flick - 2.30 (44 matches)
FC Barcelona coach Hansi Flick watching Barcelona vs Deportivo Alaves
LaLiga - FC Barcelona v Deportivo Alaves - Spotify Camp Nou, Barcelona, Spain - November 29, 2025 FC Barcelona coach Hansi Flick looks on as Lamine Yamal holds the ball REUTERS/Albert Gea
Having heralded both Bayern Munich and Barcelona, Hansi Flick boasts the highest win percentage in the competition among managers with at least 25 matches, and led the former to a 100% winning campaign to lift the 2019/20 edition.