Europe’s second tier competition has also thrown some great groups this season; the Champions League saw the new pot system which provided some tasty groups and the same could be said about the Europa League. Liverpool, who have not won this competition yet, missed out on the Champions League last season but winning the Europa League would provide them a chance of getting back into the Champions League like Sevilla achieved. The Reds have been handed a draw which features Rubin Kazan, FC Bordeaux and FC Sion.
The Reds go marching on
Liverpool has a large squad and some of their players would be regulars in the Europa League. The need for the Reds to do well in this competition cannot be stressed enough, winning the Europa League puts them directly into the Champions League, and this method is easier on the team and does not need them to play 38 games throughout the season. Rodgers does need to prioritise this competition and it could be a great chance to blood in some youngsters and also win the competition.
They will face the French club Fc Bordeaux which is managed by the former French international Willy Sagnol. The team have risen from the second division and play some good football. They came sixth in the league last season which saw them qualify for the competition. They would provide Liverpool with the toughest competition in the group and the games against the French club would be great on the eye as well.
Rubin Kazan might not the strongest in the Russian league and they came fifth in the competition last season. They have been regulars in European competitions and are always tough to play against. Playing in the Kazan Arena is never easy, especially in the cold climate that is a staple in Russia.
FC Sion is the dark horses in the group and could be the whipping boys in the group. The Swiss team came seventh in the league last season, but Liverpool should be wary of the team. Sion might not be the strongest, but Liverpool didn’t have the greatest time facing FC Basel, another Swiss club last season in the Champions League.
Liverpool should be favourites for the group and should top if they play to their ability. The problem that Liverpool could face is playing youngsters in their team. Rodgers needs to understand just how important this competition is, if they win it, they qualify for the Champions League, end off.
Rodgers will also be under pressure to do well to win a trophy at the club. This would be his fourth season at the club and he has to deliver, this time, the club have invested and signed players that he wanted, he really has no excuses now.