Couldnt have asked for a better first game in EL

[Smudge1985]

Is Europa really thought of that badly or is it just a couple of teams getting their excuses in and a few English media outlets belittling it?
Genuinely not sure, only know what's reported in England, I would be surprised if the rest of Europe felt the same.

I had a conversation about this over the summer on another board, as someone was questioning why only English clubs really completely devalue the Europa League. I wasnt defending the stance, but I suggested prize money. English clubs take home obscene amounts of money for doing well in the League, so from the clubs point of view, its no wonder the Europa League (as well as domestic cups) are so badly treated these days.

Lets use us an example. Lets say we win the Europa League this season, winning every group match. We would take home just under £9 million Euros (about £7 million) Aston Villa made that in prize money for finishing 15th in the Prem, so basically finishing 14th in the Prem gets you more money than winning the Europa League. We finished 5th and picked up nearly 3 times what we'd get for winning it. And none of this takes into account the TV money in the Prem, just league placing prize money.

UEFA also disrespect their own competition by using it as a dumping ground for Champions League sides who arent good enough. Champions League losers shouldnt go into the Europa League, first because that basically reinforces the idea that its a second rate competition, and second, it means there is an extra round in the Europa League and less of a break (Champions League first knockout is now spread across five weeks, while Europa League clubs play two rounds in that same period) so basically makes it a bigger drain on energy and resources than the Champions League is. Teams who lose in the Champions League should be out, simple as that.

Maybe this thing now that winners get a Champions League place will encourage English teams to give it more of a go.

I have got a workmate who supports Bolton who calls it the Channel 5 Cup and says it's a crap competition. I politely remind him he supports a tin pot club who would love to be in our position

No surprise a Bolton fan has that view, they got some incredible away trips when they were in this, Lisbon, Munich, Madrid, Marseille, and rested players in knockout rounds. Waste of a qualification spot.

 

[Smudge1985]

Just to note, Spurs have changed all 10 outfield players tonight. And this after their manager said today that he wants to win it for the Champions League place!

 

[Ihaters]

I had a conversation about this over the summer on another board, as someone was questioning why only English clubs really completely devalue the Europa League. I wasnt defending the stance, but I suggested prize money. English clubs take home obscene amounts of money for doing well in the League, so from the clubs point of view, its no wonder the Europa League (as well as domestic cups) are so badly treated these days.

Lets use us an example. Lets say we win the Europa League this season, winning every group match. We would take home just under £9 million Euros (about £7 million) Aston Villa made that in prize money for finishing 15th in the Prem, so basically finishing 14th in the Prem gets you more money than winning the Europa League. We finished 5th and picked up nearly 3 times what we'd get for winning it. And none of this takes into account the TV money in the Prem, just league placing prize money.

UEFA also disrespect their own competition by using it as a dumping ground for Champions League sides who arent good enough. Champions League losers shouldnt go into the Europa League, first because that basically reinforces the idea that its a second rate competition, and second, it means there is an extra round in the Europa League and less of a break (Champions League first knockout is now spread across five weeks, while Europa League clubs play two rounds in that same period) so basically makes it a bigger drain on energy and resources than the Champions League is. Teams who lose in the Champions League should be out, simple as that.

Maybe this thing now that winners get a Champions League place will encourage English teams to give it more of a go.



No surprise a Bolton fan has that view, they got some incredible away trips when they were in this, Lisbon, Munich, Madrid, Marseille, and rested players in knockout rounds. Waste of a qualification spot.

But you have to finish 9 or 10 positions lower for that to be anything other than an additional sum of money.
If we won the Europa I wouldn't see us finishing 14th.
I suspect we'd win a trophy, get into the CL, finish 5th to 8th and significantly improve our prize income for the year.
Financially its a rewarding competition to win.

 

[elf]

Just to note, Spurs have changed all 10 outfield players tonight. And this after their manager said today that he wants to win it for the Champions League place!

Yeah but spurs have got a piss easy group, they will come unstuck sooner or later

 

[1966efc]

Yeah but spurs have got a piss easy group, they will come unstuck sooner or later

What the manager says to appease fans, and what the manager does to do well in the P L ...

 

[Smudge1985]

But you have to finish 9 or 10 positions lower for that to be anything other than an additional sum of money.
If we won the Europa I wouldn't see us finishing 14th.
I suspect we'd win a trophy, get into the CL, finish 5th to 8th and significantly improve our prize income for the year.
Financially its a rewarding competition to win.

Exactly, but look at it from a club's point of view. Win 13 games and get £7 million. Win 2 more games in the League, finish 3 places higher and pick up £5 million?

 

[deipnosophist]

Likely entry into CL group stages for the EL winner is a game changer (re-reward) for this competition imo

 

[EvertonAmerican]

I took a half day at work today here in The States, bought a case of Chang, and turned on the early games. I am ready for action.

COYB

 

[Warm Butter]

Bobby is professional though, you can bet your bottom dollar he will go for this, I am sure he had a few higher ups at Wigan telling him to throw the F.a cup and try and stay in the prem.

Neutrally i can see why no one is arsed about this, though i personally really enjoy the competition, hopefully the CL place will add some much needed incentive, but as long as the champions league clubs get a free pass, it will always be viewed as second rate.

Didn't Platini say something about the possibility of a merger? turning the Champions League and Europa League into on giant competition, depending on how it is executed..and im not sure how...that might be a better option x

 

[toffeejack]

no we couldn't have

 

[JimEFC]

Looks like Pot 3 was a bit of a misnomer then!

The seeding system is a joke. City are pushing to get it turned over for next season - we might benefit from that.

 

[Ihaters]

Exactly, but look at it from a club's point of view. Win 13 games and get £7 million. Win 2 more games in the League, finish 3 places higher and pick up £5 million?

I think they would take the extra money and the trophy mate and the CL.

 

[Toffeelover]

A good solid start to our Europe adventure, 3 point on the table and a +3 GD. Keep it up blues. Methinks next Europa or even CP start Eto'o.

 

[Smudge1985]

I think they would take the extra money and the trophy mate and the CL.

They would now there's a CL place on offer. Im talking in the past, where every English club has been guilty of disrespecting the competition with some pretty shameful team selections.