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Only five managers in the history of the Champions League have managed over a 100 games in Europe's elite club competitions. Currently, tied for sixth place, with 95 appearances are Rafa Benitez, Pep Guardiola, Louis van Gaal and Ottmar Hitzfield.
Out of the four, Guardiola looks the most likely to break into the 100 cluhis will make him only the sixth manager to bag a century of appearances. The top five consists of veteran coaches who have worked their way up for many years and have succeeded in their quest to become Europe's elite managers.
Here we take a look at the top 5 all-time managerial appearances in the Champions League.
#5 Mircea Lucescu - 103
A former Romanian international, Mircea has coached clubs Internazionale, Shakhtar Donetsk, Galatasaray and Be?ikta?. He is fifth on the all-time list of appearances made by a manager in Europe's elite club competition. With 103 games under his belt, Lucescu made most of his appearances as a manager of Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk, during his 12-year stint with the club.
Despite not having claimed the title, Lucescu is an astute manager with an excellent understanding of technique and tactics. Following his departure from Zenit St Peterburg in 2017, the Romanian manager took up the role as Turkey's head coach.
Lucescu began his managerial career soon after his retirement from the game and was appointed as the Romanian national team manager in 1981.
After five years as national team head coach, he managed a host of clubs in Italy; Brescia, Reggiana, and Inter.
A firm, gritty, experienced manager, the Romanian is one of the longest-serving managers in the world.
#4 Jose Mourinho - 133
One of the best managers in modern football - Jose Mourinho has won honours all across Europe during his 20-year spell as a football manager. He began his career working and learning the trade as an assistant coach to Bobby Robson and Louis van Gaal at FC Barcelona, before taking the step to begin his managerial career.
The Portuguese manager made his mark in Europe after guiding Porto to their second UEFA Champions League title in 2004, crowning one of the greatest fairytales in modern footballing history.
Spells at Chelsea, Inter Milan, and Real Madrid followed as Mourinho picked up more silverware and appearances in Europe's elite club competition. He won his second Champions League with Inter in 2010.
A return to Chelsea followed with another league title added to his collection. Mourinho made his dream move to Manchester United, taking over from Louis van Gaal in 2016. With 133 appearances in the Champions League, he sits fourth on the all-time appearance list for coaches.
#3 Carlo Ancelotti - 154
A former manager of some truly elite clubs, Ancelotti is one of the most decorated coaches in the world, let alone in European football. A three-time Champions League winner with two different clubs, the Italian also succeeded in winning the trophy as a player.
With 154 appearances to his name, Ancelotti is third on the all-time list of Champions League appearances for a manager. Currently without a job, as he was recently dismissed as Bayern manager, the Italian will be offered a lot of roles around the world, given his experience and expertise.
Widely known as the quiet one, Ancelotti is renowned for a firm but simple approach towards games. A balanced, intense and quick passing approach, coupled with rapid counter-attacks, make his teams tough to beat in continental football.
The experienced veteran won't be too long without a club, as it is only a matter of time before the Italian is back in the Champions League and increase his appearance numbers.
#2 Arsene Wenger - 178
Arsene Wenger is a veteran who has created some of the most entertaining teams in the history of the Premier League and Europe.
In his 21st-year as the Gunners' boss, Wenger remains focused on the season at hand but will be looking at the next campaign, possibly his last, with a keen eye.
Wenger is currently in his first season as Arsenal manager without a place in the Champions League. Having made 178 appearances in the continent's elite club competition, the Frenchman is second on the all-time list of managers.
A former finalist in 2006, Wenger also managed seven games for Monaco in the competition, during his time as manager of the French club.
With the objective of making it to the Champions League, Wenger and Arsenal will be wary of the challenge at hand and could make use of two routes back into the competition via the Europa League or the Premier League.
One of the most experienced coaches in world football, Wenger has influenced and played a massive role in European football.
#1 Sir Alex Ferguson - 190
A former Aberdeen and Manchester United manager, Sir Alex is widely regarded as one of the greatest club managers in the history of the game. The 2-time Champions League winner, Ferguson has made a record 190 appearances in the competition, during his time as United manager.
The legendary Scotsman guided United to numerous semi-finals and finals although only twice was he crowned as champions of Europe. A former striker during his playing days, Ferguson took charge of United in 1986, after a successful spell at Scottish side Aberdeen.
A brilliant tactician and man manager, Sir Alex never wavered in his belief to get the best out of his young players whom he said were the roots of clubs' successes.
A 26-year veteran at United, his managerial career lasted over 30 years and the Scotsman created a legacy that will be etched in football history.
One of the greatest of all-time, he leads the all-time list of European appearance makers as a manager.
