British Football Coaches Seek New Paths Abroad Amidst Premier League Challenges
A growing number of young English managers are finding opportunities and developing their careers in European leagues and beyond, following in the footsteps of coaches like Liam Rosenior and Graham Potter.
A discernible trend is emerging in international football as young British managers increasingly look beyond the Premier League to forge their coaching careers. Facing a difficult landscape for homegrown coaches seeking top-flight experience, many are opting to move abroad, following a path blazed by younger players.
Liam Rosenior, who experienced a challenging 106-day tenure at Chelsea, is currently rebuilding his reputation at Paris FC. The French club, owned since November 2024 by the family of Bernard Arnault, France's wealthiest individual and founder of luxury goods conglomerate LVMH, is pursuing ambitious plans.
The Arnault family, with an estimated fortune of £113 billion, has invested significantly in Paris FC, which earned promotion to France's top division in 2025. The club has a net spend of approximately £130 million over the past three transfer windows, largely focused on developing young talent. Rosenior, who previously achieved success during his 18 months at Strasbourg, is now tasked with guiding Paris FC. The team is currently third in Ligue 1, enjoying an unbeaten start to the season.
Rosenior's recent post-match celebrations after a victory against his former club, Strasbourg, led to a confrontation, highlighting the emotional intensity of his work.
Like Graham Potter, who also faced a difficult period at Chelsea before finding success with the Swedish national team, Rosenior appears to be thriving in a less judgmental and more stable environment abroad. Potter's success in Sweden, where he has guided the team to qualification for the World Cup and strong performances in the Nations League, serves as an inspiration for other coaches.
Another British coach, Ian Cathro, is leading St Etienne at the top of the French second tier, demonstrating further success for those who venture abroad. Cathro, who previously managed Hearts in Scotland, has adapted to different footballing cultures, speaking French at press conferences and showing commitment to his role.
Coaches like the Still brothers, Will and Ed, are managing in France and Belgium respectively. Lee Johnson and Mick Beale are also coaching in Belgium's Pro League. In the United States, Dean Smith is the head coach at Charlotte FC, while Matt Wells is at Colorado.
Further afield, Brendan Rodgers is managing in Saudi Arabia, and Jonjo Shelvey is coaching in the UAE's second tier. While some, like Smith and Rodgers, may be seeking a less pressurized environment, others like Buckingham and Wells are still in the early stages of their careers abroad.
Experienced coaches like Stuart Baxter and Stephen Constantine continue their extensive careers in Sweden and Rwanda, respectively, showcasing the global reach of British football expertise. Despite the presence of British coaches in various leagues worldwide, opportunities in Europe's top five leagues remain limited. Currently, only four British managers are in charge of Premier League clubs. Rosenior's current position at Paris FC suggests a promising new chapter in his career, offering a potential blueprint for other young English coaches looking to expand their horizons internationally.