For some the Europa League is not fit for purpose. Mark Lawrenson wrote in his column or the Liverpool Daily Post today that the competition should be a knockout contest from round one, to make it more credible, and to play less games due to the minimal prize money being offered. On the continent however, the competition is definitely more respected with it being more associated with the prestige of the UEFA Cup rather than worthless throwaway prize after not qualifying for the Champions League. Liverpool’s Brazilian midfielder Lucas even said the competition is very popular in his native Brazil:
“For me it’s a big competition. Maybe some people don’t give this competition too much importance but in Brazil the Europa League is very important for everyone.”
For most Reds fans however, the Europa League fills us with indifference. It would be good to win but not the end of the world if we went out. As for not qualifying for it next season, many would see it as beneficial for we could focus on the domestic front 100% while not being distracted by a competition we have no real fight for. One question that could be raised is whether not qualifying for Europe could damage our reputation and prevent certain players from coming to the club this summer. In my opinion though, Champions League football is far more prized by players and there should be a negligible difference between those wanting to come to us with or without Europa League football next season. After all, this is Liverpool Football Club, and if we flying pretty high in the Premier League next season, no one will mind if we are not playing in a competition that we didn’t care for even when we were in it.
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INTRODUCING THE WINDOWS PHONE 7!
This week it is former LFC WAG Jennifer Metcalfe!
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It’s a good opportunity to try out some of the kids/fringe players/new attacking formations, but seeing as we’re neglecting to use it for that purpose then the competition is largely boring and pointless.
It’s a good opportunity to give the youngsters a chance to play against continental opponents and gain exposure. I believe it is an important competition for us this season but starting next season, if we do manage to qualify for it, it shouldn’t be taken seriously.
Good article mate. The Europa League is a Mickey Mouse competition for teams like us but for smaller teams across Europe it’s good for them, for both footballing and financial reasons. It wouldn’t bother me much if we do happen to miss out on the Europa League next season since the competition is pretty much a waste of time. It’s a good opportunity for the youngsters to get some experience but if it’s for that purpose only then there’s really not much point. Also, to get to the final you have to play 18 matches in total which is a complete waste of time. The Europa League also screws the squad up as we have to play pointless matches midweek and then a League match three days later with little or no preparation with most players tired and sometimes it could be some arduous trip to Russia or somewhere in Turkey. One of the reasons we finished 7th last season was because the squad was not capable of going for both the Europa League and the Premier League and at the end the players were just worn out. Champions League qualification looks unlikely this season and I prefer we spend next season focusing 100% on the Premier League and not playing pointless games somewhere across Europe.
Liverpool would be better off without Europa League football next season and just concentrate on the 38 League games. Top 4 in this league is attainable with getting rid of all the dross in the squad and making some proper signings and promoting the likes of Sterling,Suso,Coady,Wisdom,Robinson and Ngoo to play in the FA Cup and League Cup.
The only reason I’d like to qualify is that it would be at the expense of either Spurs or Chelsea. Either of these out of Europe would make me piss myself with laughter!!!
if we win it this year,i’ll be happy because it’s another trophy and it will boost the team spirit for better things,not for playing again next year..what i mean is i dont care if next year we’ll be playing in europa league..i just want this as a trophy and as something to boost the team for next year..of course i’d rather finish next year top 4 than play again in europa league next season..the team is being rebuilt and next year is the season i cant wait to start..this year i was fed up of the mistakes being made after the 3-0 loss against city..create a great squad,keep kenny and gel the team nicely..kenny’s just said that the current squad depth is good but i think he said that to boost some fringe players like poulsen,jovanovic,joe cole to make some good performances..i dont think he meant it..he knows that for a club like liverpool to be lying in 6th position out of all trophies(except for europa league) is very bad.have faith reds..next season we can go high and if we dont play in europa league we can give it our all for the premierleague(like the writter said)..we are in a good way of success but success doesnt come from one moment to the other,it needs time..i’ve got time,i have faith in Kenny,Comolli,Clarke,owners and all i can say is bring summer!!YNWA
i agree with all the above comments and i would be a lot happier if we won the league and then begin from there but we really need to sort out what we want and who we dont want asap as in the players at the club and the players out on loan .i think if we had a good complete squad we would give a good account of ourselves in the league next season !
The only benefit Europa League qualification brings is that you can say to a player from abroad you’ll be playing European football. Otherwise it’s a pain, it’s games we don’t need it means we play a load of games on a Sunday, putting pressure on us to match our rivals who’d probably played on the Saturday. And it would prove a distraction until March at least, if Hodgson could get us out of the group a game early drawing more games than he won it tells you that a club froma top league in Europe should make the last 32 if not the last 16 at least. The league matters most end of.
no matter what anyone says, missing out on europa leaugue is a blow b’coz
firstly, it is one less chance to win silverware.. no matter which competetion, winning silverware is always a boost for confidence, especially considering our recent trophy draught..
secondly, it might be a hindrance for potential transfers luking to play in european competetions…