Europa League Draw last 32 and last 16

carlop

carlop wrote: »

Just off the top of my head I remember Villa fielding a fairly weak team in the knockout stages a couple of years ago, but in general I get the impression teams don't prioritise it.

I don't think that went down well with Villa fans. A big mistake by O Neill at the time iirc.

missingtime

carlop wrote: »

Actually, kind of related to this, does anyone think the winners of the UEFA cup should qualify for the Champions League? It would give teams an added incentive to take it seriously.

Yea, I think it should really. But what league loses a spot?

mike65

Bolton did likewise when they were actually quite well placed to proceed, Spurs and Everton have thrown the towel in as well in recent years. As LFC have little real chance of finishing top 4 or gettings relegated I think we should give it a go.

Big Pussy Bonpensiero

Its a nothing cup. If UEFA had any sense they would reward the winner with an automaitc place in next years CL, that would at least make it more attractive to the likes of Liverpool, Spurs, City, Everton, etc.

ziggy

This post has been deleted.

carlop

missingtime wrote: »

Yea, I think it should really. But what league loses a spot?

This is the problem, I guess the team with 4 places that has the worst co-efficient or something along those lines.

Warper

carlop wrote: »

Well it would only be one team joining next year's competition, as opposed to 8 teams joining a competition half way through a season.



Just off the top of my head I remember Villa fielding a fairly weak team in the knockout stages a couple of years ago, but in general I get the impression teams don't prioritise it.

You are right Villa didnt take the 1/4 final seriously against Moscow. This totally back-fired on Villa and was stupid by MON. They were going for a Top 4 spot at the time so he dropped most of the team for the 1/4. This despite him playing practically a full-strength team leading up to the 1/4 final. Chance of actually winning something blown.

Warper

THFC wrote: »

Its a nothing cup. If UEFA had any sense they would reward the winner with an automaitc place in next years CL, that would at least make it more attractive to the likes of Liverpool, Spurs, City, Everton, etc.

If you think the Europa League is a nothing Cup, then I take it you think every domestic cup competition like the FA Cup etc. is also a nothing cup. It may not be the CL but it is the second biggest cup competition in Europe, much more credible than any domestic cup which have become run-outs for fringe players.

d22ontour

ironbluedun wrote: »

yes Lech are not bad...watch out.

That would be a nice tie but 3e...3e...sigh... I never thought a channel could make me not want to watch football but alas one such channel exists...3e...3e...