English football has produced some of the sport’s most iconic players. English managers winning Champions League matches right out of the gate? That’s been a considerably shorter list.
Liam Rosenior became just the second English manager in history to win his first two UEFA Champions League matches, joining Michael Carrick in a club so exclusive it makes Champions League qualification itself look common by comparison.
How Rosenior got here
Rosenior was appointed Chelsea head coach on January 6, 2026, stepping into what is arguably the most volatile managerial seat in world football.
His first Champions League test came against Pafos FC, a match Chelsea won 1-0 thanks to a decisive strike from Moisés Caicedo.
