Best In The World
Since last night my folks haven't stop mocking the perceived failure of the English Premier League clubs in the just concluded Champions League group stage. They go, "How could the self proclaimed best league in the world have just two of their four participants in the next round? Even the so-called Farmers League, Bundesliga, has three clubs in the Round of 16."
Well, I'm not the type who fancies the discussions about what the best league in the world is and whatnot. It's never my business. Growing up, the English Premier League had more coverage in my country than other European leagues. Thus, it became the league of choice by default. Internet and technological advancement brought other leagues to our doorsteps, allowing people more choice of football leagues to watch, and further fanning the flames of comparison between those leagues.
But, what went wrong? Why did Newcastle and Man United exit Europe rather unceremoniously?
For Newcastle, they deserve some praise and pity. But that doesn't distort the fact that they fell short. They were placed in the toughest group, yet they had an amazing start only to fall by the wayside. Their lack of progression can be attributed to injuries. As for Man United, the less said the better. I already made my peace with the fact that they won't qualify after surrendering a two-goal lead at Copenhagen. We can also argue in their favour that they had lots of injuries too, right?
The immediate repercussion of those two clubs exiting Europe is that EPL may struggle to make up the points needed to place first or second in the quota standings. That means no fifth spot for them in the tournament next season - except an EPL team wins the Europa League.
As for the two teams involved, their struggle continues, Man United's problems looking more unidentifiable than that of Newcastle. Just a few weeks ago a depleted Newcastle played Man United like harp strings. Once they get two or more of their starters back, they will steady themselves for another assault on a top 4 position. As for Man United, their problems are so large that everyone is now confused. The only objects yet to get blamed for their poor season are probably the blades of grass at Old Trafford - one dude recently quipped Onana is in the "leakiest of leaky" contest with the notoriously leaky Old Trafford roof.
As hard as it is to say, my support now goes to the two representatives of the EPL in the UCL. If they go far they might as well win us the fifth spot that will increase my beloved Man United's chance of playing in Europe's premier club competition next season because, on current form, Man United won't make the top 4.
Best in the world my foot!
Yay! 🤗
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Hi bro, well I normally take this discourse beyond the UCL. I remind everyone that the UEL and the UECL are also bonafide European competitions. A win is awarded same points by UEFA no matter the competition. So rate a league by it's impact in Europe holistically.
The Spanish league fell to a worrying 4th last term. They are the ones in trouble again–
The above is from my ĺive blog title SPAIN IN TROUBLE. You are welcome to check it out.
Cheers
Let's wait and see. With Liverpool and Brighton doing well in the Europa, it's not all doom and gloom for the EPL.
Will continue to monitor the standings. Thanks.
And West Ham too, West Ham have even been more lethal than those two.
Then we have Mr Europa winner, now coach of Aston Villa – The European Conference League– where Spain doesn't even have a single representative.
I have already made my pick of England and Italy
as tops.
My pleasure bro
Yes, I remember West Ham, but I believe the Europa League will be a step too far for them.
Aston Villa should win the Europa Conference too. Your pick is very valid. It's now up to Ten Hag to drag those boys to at least fifth position.
Well West Ham are already proving doubters wrong with their domineering group stage performance.
Liverpool has been more like a team that really don't want to be playing the Europa. Maybe they would show their true colours in the knockout phase.
Mine is for the EPL. West Ham doesn't have to win it, other English clubs are there, even a Roma is there. The point is, my calculations reveal that the English presence will be over and above others, as the competitions approach the finish line.
Yeah I understand how you must ponder about your "alma mater", given the extra slot anticipation . Hopefully ETH meets your expectation. Such a challenging duty post, Greenwood would have been helping out( and ETH liked him) now, then a few signings seem out of sorts. Patience I think is key.
Regards bro
He won't. This Man United won't make the top 5.
The silly boy put everyone in a tough spot. We all know he's good, but having him and going against the brands will cost Man United. It would've been better if he never misbehaved in the first place.
🙂