Comments on: Liverpool v Spurs: who will be left holding the poisoned chalice?

By: Luxury Player

Luxury Player — Wed, 18 May 2011 14:45:55 +0000

I definitely agree with Kevin Coleman’s assertion that the Europa League gives a chance to blood young players. Not only that, it also gives important tournament experience to all involved. A season spent handling the pressures of the Europa League could surely be invaluable preparation for the headier climes of the Champions League.

I think you’re right to suggest that Europa League football could help Spurs attract the one or two extra players they need to help consolidate themselves as perennial contenders for the Champions League spots. It may also be crucial to their plans to keep the likes of Modric and Bale.

By: Football Accumulator – 5 for €5 « Setantabet Blog

Football Accumulator – 5 for €5 « Setantabet Blog — Mon, 16 May 2011 12:47:13 +0000

[...] back on Merseyside and the team are well setup to beat a struggling Spurs side this Sunday. This match has been dubbed the race for fifth place, but one would feel Spurs are happy with sixth and content to leave Liverpool to Europa League [...]

By: Cam

Cam — Thu, 12 May 2011 14:05:45 +0000

Roy Hodgson made it clear his priority was the league, but when Gerrard came on against Napoli he showed that players and fans want to win matches and do well in European competition.

I think Kenny Dalglish said it was not his decision to decide the ambition of the club and they lost in the end to a hard working Braga side who are now in the final.

It’s a great competition for clubs to prove they are able to succeed in Europe, examples from recent years include Porto, Atletico Madrid, Shakhtar. I bet there are frustrated Villa and Everton fans who wished their club had a good run in it.

i think as you say that as Redknapp has had the taste of CL elitism, he will now decide that Tottenham are too good for it and it is too much hassle. That is, unless, Spurs have a good run in it.

By: Kevin Coleman

Kevin Coleman — Thu, 12 May 2011 14:00:59 +0000

As a Liverpool form, if I had the choice between a very good league run or a good Europa League run and a decent league run I’d choose the former. But I have no problem with them going for it, the club has always had this “have to be in Europe” mentality and it’ll be a good stepping stone for CL football. Also, not many players would snort at the chance to join Liverpool – considering the second half of this season, plus some action on the continent.

I also like the opportunity this gives to blood young players, I’d expect Dalglish to use these games as a chance to integrate young players and the senior players into the life of travelling abroad and playing against obscure opponents in obscure places.

By: Cezar

Cezar — Thu, 12 May 2011 13:42:33 +0000

I can’t see Spurs winning this one. Their form over the last 3 months is so bad, they compete with Arsenal for the title of biggest bottlers. One win since they beat AC Milan in the middle of February isn’t european challenger form.

By: Thomas Gaunt

Thomas Gaunt — Thu, 12 May 2011 12:23:44 +0000

Blindside. I see what you are saying, a trophy is still a trophy, but many big teams wouldnt want to win it because only teams who arent good enough to get in CL or are knocked out of CL can enter it. Let me ask you this, if your were able to enter the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy or FA Vase, would you? It is a trophy after all…. Are we to suggest that Whitley Town are a more successful team than say West Ham because they have won more trophies? I completely understand if you think that it is a positive to be in the UEFA and my article is just arguing a little more strongly towards avoiding it. My main argument is that for both teams CL football is so important for long term success that unless the win the UEFA cup it will overall be a negative experience.

By: Merseyspur

Merseyspur — Thu, 12 May 2011 10:51:53 +0000

As a Spurs exile on Merseyside since 1974 I’ll just be happy if we give it a real go. Spurs have only won seven times at Anfield since 1910 and although I was pleasantly surprised in 1998 (you could hear a pin drop!) it seems usually a case of just going through the motions before getting back on the bus as soon as possible.
Some of the more ‘recent’ victories even needed the help of the likes of Sheringham and Klinsmann, strikers of a calibre we currently don’t have. But though we couldn’t punch our way out of a paper bag at present I hope we don’t have the usual roll-over. Fight, lads, fight, and as for where we finish up who cares.

By: Blindside

Blindside — Thu, 12 May 2011 09:28:37 +0000

All this talk around of teams not wanting to be in the Europa league is stuff and nonsense. Most of these writers are also the same who insist that a sign of success is the number of trophies and cups a team wins. That being so the Europa cup IS a trophy and I am sure any winning team would be proud of it!
If then it is not important then can we expect these people to admit that the number of cups a team hold is completely immaterial to their success? – I don’t think so somehow!!