...dare I say a Super League could work? Let the clubs causing the financial imbalance get what the really want but also retain a European competition/trophy for clubs that suit a new criteria? At the moment it feels like the Conference League is a "trophy" used to shut up the minnows, whilst the richer clubs continue to have cash pumped in which will only continue the disparity. I've seen a few Everton fans saying they'd love to win the Conference League for the "experience". I completely disagree with them every time as it feels like a hand-me-down competition and quite honestly I'd be embarrassed if we considered ourselves "Champions of Europe" after winning it lol
I think the problem is that it’s the entire Premier League causing the imbalance. Effectively, that is the super league now, and only really Bayern, PSG, and three Spanish teams seek to be able to compete. If I supported Everton, I’d definitely want to be in it and win it, because you almost certainly would!
I totally get this. The flip side to it is that it's gives fans of clubs that wouldn't ordinarily be able to achieve European football, the chance to experience it. Away days to cities they'd never visit, playing teams and styles of football they'd only come up against in preseason friendlies etc. It's probably less about being "Champions of Europe", and more being able to say you're the best club in Europe against competitors of equal level. Though it's difficult and obviously the view of any fan of a club in that realm is worth more than my view as a fan of a Big 6 team. I do think there's an aspect of limiting the amount of teams from a single country that can play in European football. What is it, 9 English teams next year? That's obscene, and some of those spots should have gone to other leagues.
It’s going to be so fucking horrible if that game goes ahead. It’ll be a disgrace. I’d be surprised if it doesn’t end in a riot if the game goes ahead as is. if you didn’t know Ireland played Qatar last night and the game was interrupted multiple times by fans throwing tennis balls with the Palestine flag onto the pitch.
I know you support Everton but not sure if you're actually English but to belittle the Conference League by saying "trophy" is exactly the sort of attitude of why people feel the way they do towards English fanbases. The execution of the Conference League is flawed but Everton haven't won anything in 30 odd years (if I'm remembering right!) so to turn your nose up at a European trophy is frankly hilarious - do agree that you shouldn't be terming yourselves Champions of Europe for winning it but the winners of the superbowl say World Champions in a sport only American teams compete in so that's just a preference thing I suppose. Surely you'd rather win things than finish bottom half of the Premier League.
Konate leaving on a free. I know he didn’t have a great year, but that’s a big loss to any already thin and aging backline. Makes the Guehi fumble look even worse.
I think it was on a stadio ep where they mentioned maybe the league that gets the extra UCL spot loses their conference league spots? I don’t have a better solution to handle the PL’s money advantage.
Get rid of the conference league and create a league solely of the teams relegated the season before.
English Dad, Russian Mum. I get where you're coming from, but I just can't shift this stigma(?) I have towards the Conference League. I get @AFoolsGlory and the experience it provides for the away fans but as far as it goes prestige wise as a trophy there is something lacking. @AFoolsGlory also said the other day about Italian football struggling to reach the heights of its 90s past. Don't get me wrong, I imagine the Palace fans loved Florence, but as for Fiorentina I'm pretty sure they've got Moise Kean up front who wasn't deemed good enough for Everton. The days of them being "feared" with Batigol and Rui Costa are faded fragments of time. I mean, didn't Batigol refuse Fergie's United? You wouldn't get that anymore, a mid-table PL club could sway Fiorentina best player with the monetary advantage and that's only if the club wanted them. This isn't me being entitled and English, it's just where the disparity has taken modern Football. So you can say I'm turning my nose up, but I would just like my team to win something with more meaning to it. I lived through a period where being Champions of Europe meant you were elite, not when literally half of the league could get the opportunity to claim that honour next season.
I really don’t understand why Senesi picked Spurs when there were reportedly several other clubs looking at him. We stink and he doesn’t have a nailed on starting spot.
I saw that Barcelona had him in mind as a back-up for their main central defender target, so I’m wondering how many clubs had that approach vs Spurs making him feel good as a main target.
I’d still be proud for winning a comp like the conference league. That trophy in a vacuum may seem small but the value of winning a season-long competition can be a big culture builder for any club. It is achieving a goal set at the beginning of the season. And while the competition in this particular cup isn’t the strongest, it does come with its own unique challenges. So there can still be real value in it. Just don’t be like Spurs and finally win something after 20 years and then immediately get rid of everyone who led you to it.
Real Madrid having a civil war + bringing in Jose while Barca are buying up talent and have all good vibes is making for a great season ahead imo
I know we are doing our team pool in here, but would people also be interested in a fantasy comp for the WC? FIFA has it on their website. Seems fun.