Champions League Power Rankings: January 2024

by Liam O'Connor Sports Editor
written by Liam O'Connor Sports Editor
  • Arsenal lead the Premier League, but their grip is loosening.
  • Bayern Munich’s relentless scoring is raising eyebrows—and questions about balance.
  • Pep Guardiola’s future at Manchester City is uncertain, sparking a scramble to retain him.
  • Barcelona are eyeing Marcus Rashford as a potential replacement for Robert Lewandowski.
  • PSG are longing for the glory of their 2025 Champions League triumph.

Arsenal are currently atop the Premier League table, but a narrow lead and questions about consistency have fans wondering if this will finally be the year they lift the trophy after a two-decade drought.

Power Rankings: Europe’s Elite—and Their New Year’s Resolutions

Table of Contents

1. Arsenal (–)

New Year’s resolution: Lift a trophy, possibly the Premier League more than 20 years after the last time.

After a strong start to the 2025-26 season, the pressure is on Arsenal to finally break their trophy drought. Their last Premier League title came in 2004, and while they currently lead the standings, the gap is shrinking. There’s no room for excuses in 2026.

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2. Bayern Munich (–)

New Year’s resolution: Score less than three goals every single game, if possible.

It’s hard to remember a Bayern Munich game this season where they *didn’t* score at least three goals. In fact, they’ve netted 55 times in just 15 Bundesliga matches—an average of 3.6 per game. A 1-0 win would be a novelty at this point under Vincent Kompany.

3. Manchester City (–)

New Year’s resolution: Convince Pep Guardiola to stay at the club beyond the summer.

Doubts are swirling around Pep Guardiola’s future at Manchester City. The Spanish coach has hinted that his contract, which expires in 2027, doesn’t guarantee his long-term commitment, and rumors of a potential departure from the Premier League are gaining traction. The club knows retaining him is paramount.

4. Barcelona (–)

New Year’s resolution: Sign Marcus Rashford on a permanent deal, he’s worth it.

Marcus Rashford has made a significant impact for Barcelona under Hansi Flick this season. Regardless of their summer transfer business, securing Rashford permanently from Manchester United is a must, especially with Robert Lewandowski potentially departing.

5. PSG (–)

New Year’s resolution: Go back to January 2025.

2025 was a magical year for PSG and Luis Enrique, culminating in a Treble and a Champions League final victory over Inter. A return to that form—and that moment—is the ultimate wish for the Parisian club, though replicating it will be a monumental task.

6. Atletico Madrid (–)

New Year’s resolution: Reach the last four of the Champions League.

Diego Simeone’s side are performing well, but their ambition extends to a deeper run in the Champions League. Reaching the semi-finals would be a significant achievement for the club.

7. Inter (–)

New Year’s resolution: Zero trophies in 2025? At least one in 2026.

While 2025 was a year to forget for Inter—losing the Serie A title to Napoli on the final day, a crushing 5-0 defeat to PSG in the Champions League final, and a managerial change—things are looking up under Cristian Chivu. A trophy in 2026 would be a much-needed boost.

8. Chelsea (–)

New Year’s resolution: Make Enzo Maresca happy again at the club.

Recent weeks have seen tension between Chelsea and manager Enzo Maresca. Resolving this situation is crucial, as Maresca is delivering positive results and needs continued support.

9. Real Madrid (–)

New Year’s resolution: Commit to their coach. They were excited about Xabi Alonso few months ago.

After parting ways with Carlo Ancelotti, Real Madrid began a new era with Xabi Alonso. While his start hasn’t been seamless, the club needs to back their manager, as he’s considered one of the best in Europe.

10. Atalanta (–)

New Year’s resolution: Get over the fact Gian Piero Gasperini left.

Atalanta is adjusting to life after Gian Piero Gasperini, the manager who elevated the club to European prominence. The appointment of Raffaele Palladino offers a path forward, but it will take time to fully move on from Gasperini’s legacy.

11. Liverpool (–)

New Year’s resolution: Make the summer signings perform as hoped.

The 2025 summer signings haven’t yet lived up to expectations, particularly Florian Wirtz (from Bayer Leverkusen) and Alexander Isak (from Newcastle), even before Isak’s injury. Arne Slot needs to unlock their potential in the second half of the season.

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12. Olympique Marseille (–)

New Year’s resolution: Winning Ligue 1 seems impossible, but they actually can.

Olympique Marseille, under Roberto De Zerbi, are within striking distance of PSG and Lens. A Ligue 1 title would be a historic achievement.

13. Newcastle (–)

New Year’s resolution: Forget about the last months of 2025.

Despite the impact of new signings like Nick Woltemade (nine goals so far), Newcastle’s recent form has been underwhelming. A strong finish to the season is needed to turn things around.

14. Borussia Dortmund (–)

New Year’s resolution: Play another European final.

Borussia Dortmund reached the 2024 Champions League final but fell short. While another appearance may seem unlikely, anything is possible in football.

15. Galatasaray (–)

New Year’s resolution: Becoming the first Turkish team to win the Champions League.

Galatasaray’s summer acquisitions have raised expectations, particularly with Victor Osimhen leading the attack. A Champions League triumph would be a landmark achievement for Turkish football.

16. Juventus (–)

New Year’s resolution: Don’t sack the manager and trust Luciano Spalletti. He’s the right man.

Juventus appear to have found stability with Luciano Spalletti. Committing to his project is essential for sustained success.

17. Napoli (–)

New Year’s resolution: Hope for Antonio Conte to stay more than two years at the club.

Napoli will need to convince Antonio Conte to extend his stay beyond two years, a pattern he’s established at previous clubs.

18. Bayer Leverkusen (–)

New Year’s resolution: Don’t sell more players to Liverpool.

After losing Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong to Liverpool, Bayer Leverkusen might want to protect their remaining talent.

19. Sporting CP (–)

New Year’s resolution: Win one trophy and don’t sell their strikers to a Premier League club.

Sporting CP are challenging for domestic honors and aiming for a Champions League playoff spot. Keeping their key attackers out of the reach of Premier League clubs is crucial.

20. Tottenham (–)

New Year’s resolution: Just win some games.

Despite winning the 2025 Europa League, Tottenham need more consistency under Thomas Frank.

21. PSV (–)

New Year’s resolution: Make Ivan Perisic sign a new deal.

Ivan Perisic has been a standout performer for PSV, and rewarding him with a contract extension would be well-deserved.

22. AS Monaco (–)

New Year’s resolution: Find a coach who can bring the club back at the top.

AS Monaco need a managerial appointment that can restore the club to its former glory.

23. Benfica (–)

New Year’s resolution: End up in the Champions League playoffs.

Jose Mourinho’s arrival at Benfica has generated excitement, and qualifying for the Champions League playoffs would be a positive step.

24. Club Brugge (–)

New Year’s resolution: Don’t sell players to AC Milan.

Club Brugge striker Nicolò Tresoldi was recently spotted at a Milan match, raising concerns about a potential transfer.

25. Copenaghen (–)

New Year’s resolution: Get in the top 24 of the league phase.

A recent away win against Villarreal has given Copenaghen hope of reaching the league phase top 24.

26. Qarabag (–)

New Year’s resolution: Win another Champions League match.

Qarabag enjoyed a surprising start to their Champions League campaign but need to secure another victory.

27. Eintracht Frankfurt (–)

New Year’s resolution: Concede fewer goals.

Eintracht Frankfurt have conceded 30 goals in 15 Bundesliga matches, a concerning statistic.

28. Union Saint-Gilloise (–)

New Year’s resolution: Another Champions League campaign.

Union Saint-Gilloise are leading the Pro League but suffered a recent Champions League defeat.

29. Athletic Club (–)

New Year’s resolution: Don’t sell Nico Williams in the summer.

Athletic Club have successfully resisted offers for Nico Williams and will need to do so again this summer.

30. Villarreal (–)

New Year’s resolution: Perform better in Europe.

Villarreal are enjoying a strong La Liga season but have struggled in the Champions League.

31. Pafos (–)

New Year’s resolution: Let them dream once again.

Pafos are enjoying their first Champions League campaign and should savor the experience.

32. Slavia Prague (–)

New Year’s resolution: Do better in their last two European games.

Slavia Prague have an opportunity to finish their European campaign on a positive note.

33. Olympiacos (–)

New Year’s resolution: Win the Greek league and be back stronger next season in Europe.

Olympiacos will focus on domestic success and a return to European contention.

34. Bodo/Glimt (–)

New Year’s resolution: Warmer atmosphere in their home stadium? Probably asking too much here.

Bodo/Glimt’s home games are known for their chilly conditions.

35. Ajax (–)

New Year’s resolution: Forget about 2025.

2025 was a disastrous year for Ajax.

36. Kairat (–)

New Year’s resolution: Enjoy the ride, because it’s almost over.

Kairat will look to make the most of their Champions League experience.

Award-winning sportswriter, covered five Olympics and three World Cups. Focus on human stories behind the scores.

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