The UEFA has finally taken the decision to uplift the image and standard of its second tier tournament that is the Europa League. The newest change introduced by the European governing body is that, whichever team lifts the coveted trophy would get a direct entry to the 2015/16 UEFA Champions’ League group stage.
Well, this change in rule will surely intrigue the Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur people, who are currently fighting for a top four position in the Premier League and thereby earning a Champions’ League spot in the next season. Liverpool, who got eliminated from the group stages of the UEFA Champions’ League this season are demoted to the Europa League and Spurs were already there due to a sixth-place finish in the league last season.
Liverpool is slowly climbing up the ladder in the league with a consistent performance in the New Year. They are now back in a position to compete with the likes of Manchester United, Tottenham and Arsenal for the top most half of the table. While they are doing good recently in the Premier League, there is also a probability they may finally falter in the last stages of the tournament and eventually miss out on a Champions League spot. The competition is fearsome and going by their squad strength the odds are against them. It will be better on their part to concentrate on the Europa League where they can find teams of much lower caliber than themselves. It is more realistic, that the Reds might win the Europa League. They have a fair chance and currently they are progressing well. It is up to Brendan Rodgers to set his priorities and motivate his team to do well in the European competition rather than fight in the Premier League battle.
The same thing goes out for Mauricio Pochettino’s side who are also fighting for a Champions League spot. Spurs have a fairly average squad which is good enough for Europa League battle. In the Premier League, they will have to battle it out against mostly Manchester United, Southampton, Arsenal and also Liverpool. Going by squad quality they are way behind the other contenders. They have an exciting young squad and have quite a few quality players in their rank.
Overall it would be a wise decision for both Brendan Rodgers and Mauricio Pochettino to concentrate on the Europa League glory rather than a top-four finish in the Premier League.