Post European Game Syndrome

There is often an argument that after European games, teams tend to struggle to get the three points in their next game. Some argue that it’s due to the lack of preparation time, or the lack of quality in depth or even the lack of fitness. I myself have always thought that it was something along those lines too. 

Now, of course, there needs to be a degree of rationality and a consideration of the wider perspective.
Think about it, often teams can play poorly, yet still walk away with a win. So there is an argument that when people say a team isn’t as efficient or effective after a European game, they could mean in terms of performances, not the result. 

However, I wanted to see how each side that represented the Premier League in Europe this season faired in comparison to each other. 

However, before I point out my observations, we have to consider a few things. Firstly, we have to recognise some teams played more games after a European game, due to their progress in Europe. In order to combat this, I have added the points per game stat. 

Table: Premier League sides representing in Europe: Their record after European Games

Key Observations

·         Business as usual for Manchester United: After European games, Man United have been machine efficient. United won 7 of their 8 post European games which clearly demonstrates this. Perhaps Sir Alex Ferguson’s effective rotation and strength in depth played a key role in Man United’s consistency.

·         Arsenal unbeaten after European games: Both Arsenal and Man United are unbeaten after their European games. But considering this from Arsenal’s perspective, it shows how difficult they are to beat. Their experience and knowhow through many years of having to manage the Champions League and the Premier League is one of the reasons why they remained unbeaten.

·         Man City distinctly average after European games: Man City’s record is pretty average, to be fair. Although they only lost once and conceded the least out of the teams analysed (5), I think they should have done better. But Man City will argue, they had tough games after their Champions League duties, after all, they faced Liverpool away, then Arsenal at home and then Man United at home. But given the squad at Manicni’s disposal, you’d expect them to win one of those games.

·         Liverpool consistently inconsistent: Liverpool’s record after European games isn’t great. The key issue is the high number of draws, which is one of the differences from them being a top 6 side. However, what is interesting is that Liverpool kept 4 clean sheets, which is the highest (alongside Chelsea). In some respects, this shows progress is being made at Anfield, but clearly, more work needs to be done to sustain and build on it.

·         Newcastle shipping goals: Newcastle conceded 20 goals, which is an incredibly high number for a side playing in Europe and for me it symbolises their immense decline this season. Last season, Newcastle were far more solid and settled side defensively. Perhaps the club have missed Steven Taylor and Fabricio Coloccini who have missed parts of the season for one reason or another.

·         Newcastle actually doing rather well…: Although Newcastle are conceding a hell of a lot of goals, they are actually winning fair number of games too. It’s intriguing; there was strong criticism that the lack of depth effected Newcastle’s campaign this season. Although this may well be a valid point, one may need to take it with a pinch of salt. As Newcastle won 5 games from 13, this shows the club has the ability to win games even when playing on a Thursday and then on a Sunday. But it is crucial to note, all 5 of Newcastle’s wins came at home.

The Europa League - Football's most loathed competition

Above is a photo of an inconsolable Ian Holloway – who a few hours earlier, saw his adventurous side being relegated from the Premier League. At the time of this photo, the Blackpool manager had just learnt his side could be playing in the Europa League. Holloway reacted by denying his team were eligible and then shrugged at the prospect of playing in the competition. From his emotions its abundantly clear that competing in the Europa League is not even a consolation from being relegated from the Premier League.

Ian Holloway was right.

It turned out that Blackpool were not eligible for a Europa League place spot through the fair play system, but the actions of Holloway surely symbolise just how unfashionable the Europa League is.

Think about it. One of the smallest clubs to ever play in the Premier League view the Europa League as an irritation rather than an opportunity to make the club grow.

To say the Europa League has a limited appeal is a huge understatement. Clubs in Italy, Spain and England loath the competition. Most players, managers and supporters sigh at the prospect of competing in the dour Europa League.

The Europa League can be described as doing a house hold chore, such as taking out the garbage or getting rid of the clutter. In other words, it’s a job which has to be done. While the Champions League can be metaphorically described as studying for you’re A-levels or degree. Although it’s a struggle and challenge, there is a sense that it’s a sign of strength, ambition, and desire to fulfil long term aspirations.

Coming back to Europe, there is almost a sense of arrogance from teams in Italy, Spain and England. Instead of seeing the competition as a privilege and a chance to gain respectable European success, they see the competition as a tortuous chore rather than an opportunity.

There is no denying, this attitude must change. Being in Europe, whether it’s the Champions League or the Europa League, it must be viewed as a symbol of ambition, rather than a symbol of misery.

But the harsh reality is that a lack of ambition in the Europa League is rife.

For instance, Tottenham’s media friendly manager, Harry Redknapp labelled his sides tie against POAK a ‘nuisance’ and made 10 changes to his side. Redknapp started 6 players who were 21 years old or even younger. His selection was probably unrecognisable to even the most ardent Spurs fans.

Indeed, Tottenham’s Redknapp isn’t the first to do this, many English clubs such as Aston Villa, Liverpool and big Italian sides have done the same too.

To most people, when a team field a virtual reserve side in a European Competition it’s somewhat irritating.

The whole point of participating in a competition, especially a European one, the ultimate aim should be to win it. Yet, playing a team full of reserve and fringe players demonstrates an attitude of content if the team goes out.

With teams selecting highly weakened sides for the Europa League, one cannot deny the competition has lost its prestigious nature and its allure.

But why has this become the case?

The answer is simple and logical.

The Europa League is too bureaucratic, too long winded and too tedious.

By the time the Europa League reaches the group stage it has around 48 teams participating, while it’s bigger brother, the Champions League has a mere 32 sides participating during its group stages. This just emphasises just how over crowded The Europa League is.

Furthermore, last season’s Europa League Champions (FC Porto) played 17 Europa League games in order to reach the final. That equates to nearly half a domestic season’s worth of games in order to win the competition.

So it’s understandable why teams are so reluctant to participate in the competition. The road to glory can have severe effects on a club’s domestic performances, especially as Europa games are being played on a Thursday. This means Europa clubs have around three days to recover, prepare and in some cases travel numerous air miles before facing their next opposition on a Sunday.

Does it really surprise many if a team comes back from a Europa League tie, fatigued and severely incoherent? The competition demands a hell of a lot, but in rewards, it gives a little.

Arguably, only teams with large squads can just about cope with the competition. Although, most of these teams with the larger squads find themselves competing in the Champions League. Or if they are in the Europa League, they view the competition as a hindrance to progression, rather than as a means to progress.

Perhaps a reason why some clubs view the Europa League as a hindrance to progression is due to the mediocre revenue which is created by participating in the Europa League.

It’s reasonable to say The Europa League doesn’t offer as much in terms of economic gains for teams participating in the competition. While in direct comparison, the Champions League offers an incredible amount of cash for clubs participating in the tournament.

Last season’s Champions League finalists, Manchester United earned themselves £46.1 million from Champions League revenue. While Europa League winners, FC Porto, approximately earned a mere £15million. As the figures prove, there is massive gulf in difference in the cash earned. So is it surprise that some teams find the Europa League a nuisance? It’s evidently transparent; the lack of financial gain is a dominating factor as to why some teams are unwilling to take the Europa League seriously.

In some respects, UEFA have themselves to blame for the lack of respect towards the Europa League. After all, if the financial gains were more balanced between the two competitions, teams would be more willing to participate in the Europa League.

While clubs in the Europa earn a handful of millions, teams in the Champions League earn pockets full of millions. No one can deny, once a team participates in the Champions League. They do not look back. They want to return and continuously compete in the Champions League. So when the drop outs of the Champions League appear in the Europa League, they enter the tournament unenthusiastically. They know the competition doesn’t possess the same status as its older brother, nor does it give anywhere near the same financial gains as the Champions League.

The harsh reality of the Euorpa League is that it has not adapted to the modern game and its mentality. The competition gives away very little in economic gains and the football is elongated with too many stages. Without a doubt, this has lead to the competition having little appeal, little glow and little respect.

The fact most Europa League participants see the competition as a punishment rather than an opportunity it just demonstrates the fatal flaws within the structure and mechanisms of the tournament.

There is no doubt the Europa League is in a state of redundancy, UEFA need to act quickly in order to revive their large historic competition.

For your information UEFA, changing its name again, will not do the trick.

Here at The Football Front, we have explored some ideas which could possibly improve UEFA's Europa League.

Four ways to improve the Europa League

1.) Get rid of the group stages - Since the introduction of the group stage the Euorpa League has become even more tedious and long winded. Abolishing this stage will make the competition more interesting as there would be a knockout stage which is consistent throughout the whole tournament.

2.) Playing one legged ties - Playing one legged ties will make the competition more enthralling as its virtually sudden death. This will make most of the games have a sense of excitement, anticipation and suspense towards them. At the moment the games are dour for long stages simply because teams are unwilling to concede or because they are playing for the second leg.

3.) Give the winners of the Europa League a right to play in the Champions League - Allowing the winners earn Champions League qualification it will give the Europa League something viable for its competitors to fight for.It will interest all the teams in the tournament, especially the bigger sides, as they want to play in the Champions League more than anything else.

4.) Play Europa League games on alternate Tuesdays and Wednesdays to the Champions League - This may be a fixture and logistical nightmare, but if the Europa League is played on Tuesday and Wednesday nights, when the Champions League is not being played, it may make the tournament worth competing for to some clubs. After all, it gives the teams time to recover and prepare for their next opposition on the weekend.

Are some players given the captaincy for the wrong reasons?

To many people, the ideal captain is a charismatic leader on and off the pitch. A player who sets the standard. An individual who can bring the team together. And a player who is a role model on and off the pitch.

But it seems more often than not, that these imperative values which are a hallmark of a successful captain, are being overlooked by other factors.

A common occurrence is that players are given the captains armband in a vain attempt by the club to keep the player committed for a little longer.

One can think of many clubs who have adopted this strategy. Look at Carlos Tevez at Manchester City. Look at Abel Taarabt at Queens Park Rangers. And maybe more controversially, look at Cesc Fabregas at Arsenal.

A majority of football fans have questioned whether these players are suitable for the armband. The Manchester City striker Carlos Tevez, has been a hotly debated subject. Is he really a suitable individual for being a captain? Most think he isn’t. Carlos Tevez still hasn’t grasped the English language sufficiently. So this obviously hinders his influence on and off the pitch. As he cant get his message across to his fellow team mates. Perhaps a captain should clearly understand the language and can speak it sufficiently, so they can support and motivate their team mates.

Furthermore, with Tevez, it seems, from day one since he joined Manchester City. He has been unsettled and has been looking for a move elsewhere. Last season and the first half of this season, it seemed Tevez had his heart set on South America. Preferably Boca Juniors. However, now it seems the Argentine wants to move to Italy. This only emphasises the unsettled nature of Carlos Tevez. Surely, a captain should be an individual who stays loyal to the club, rather than angling for a move at every possible occasion. One must consider, captain Tevez even handed in a transfer request demanding to leave Manchester City earlier in the year. So much for the captains loyalty towards the cause.

Perhaps one would say, probably a Manchester City supporter that Tevez is a good captain. As he leads by example on the pitch. That is a fair point, too an extent. As Tevez has been the life beat of Manchester City in past two years. Everything centres around him. But Tevez has thrown strops on the pitch too. Earlier this season, Tevez threw a strop and showed his anger at being substituted. This is hardly the most suitable behaviour for your captain.

It seems Manchester City have made Carlos Tevez the captain as a method to keep the player contented and make him understand his importance to the team.

While Abel Taarabt, 21 of Q.P.R is another questionable captaincy appointment. The Moroccan international is a great player. But, he is a player who sadly, doesn’t like to pass and often has tantrums and disputes. Furthermore, the fact he is 21 and is the captain is alarming. Is it right a 21 year old is the captain of a Championship team? Perhaps it would be justified if the player had a better professional mentality. And didn’t clearly suggest that Q.P.R is a merely a stepping stone in his career.

A more controversial figure to question is Cesc Fabregas. Some argue, because of his experience and his professionalism on and off the pitch it makes him a good candidate for being the captain. However, there are serious question marks over Fabregas’ credentials as captain. Perhaps, Arsenal’s failings this season have made people ask more question of whether Fabregas is a good leader.

Football fans and especially Arsenal fans have a right to question him. The Arsenal players have lacked unity on the pitch. They team also does not seem to have any leadership on the pitch. The Gunners are missing a player who can settle the other players down and can support them. Just take the two Spurs results and the Newcastle results. For me, Fabregas may have the experience, talent and a nice personality. But he still isn’t captain material. He lacks the leadership mentality to galvanise his team mates.

However, the issue of giving the captaincy for the wrong reasons has been common for the past 10 years.

In 2003, Fernando Torres was made captain of Atletico Madrid. Torres at the time was only 19 years old. This was startling. It was startling simply because he was a teenager when he captained his side. Is that right? Surely a captain should be a player who has relative experience in the game. But of course, Torres is a world class striker, who At. Madrid were desperate to keep hold of. But is he captain material? When you think of Torres and the idea of him being captain it makes you chuckle. As today’s Torres is a bit of a stroppy striker who moaps around the pitch.

A common theme to all the players I have discussed, is that all these players have issues regarding their future. This emphasises the lengths some clubs will go to in order keep hold of their prized assets.

However, for all these examples discussed. One could easily argue that these players do lead by example on the pitch. As these players set the standard with their brilliant ability. However, the responsibly of being a captain extends to more than that.

It’s refreshing to know that in the Premier League and Europe that most players are given the captaincy for the right reasons. Take a look at Steven Gerrard, Carlos Puyol, Iker Cassias, Nemanja Vidic and perhaps even John Terry. All of these players are good examples of great captains and leaders.

But clubs are more desperate than ever to keep hold of their prized assets. A way in which the clubs feel they can cling onto these players is by giving the player the symbolic armband. And more clubs, be it small or large teams are now being tempted down this route, in a futile attempt maintain their star players.

It’s imperative that clubs try and avoid going down this route. Clubs must associate the captain’s armband with players who are the hallmark of a successful captain. Players who lead by example and represent the club superbly.

Certain clubs need to stop undermining the significant value of being the captain.

Things you may like to read

Why Arsenal's complacency and lack of professionalism has seriously hindered their chances this season - http://tiny.cc/y1tgc

Why Chelsea must drop Fernando Torres if they are to have any chance of success this season - http://tiny.cc/48chx

Just how good is Gary Cahill? - http://tiny.cc/q3lku

Why the League Cup still holds importance in the English game

Sunday the 27^th of February. A day that Birmingham City fans will never forget. Arguably it was the proudest day of the club’s history. It was the day that Birmingham City defied all the odds by winning the their first major trophy since 1963, by beating Arsenal. The League Cup now belongs to Birmingham City.

But, some people believe the magic and beauty which made the English domestic cups so popular has gone. I see where there coming from. As some teams field weakened sides in the Cup’s in order to focus on their league campaigns. There is no denying this fact. But that doesn’t mean teams are not interested or bothered in winning the FA Cup or even the League Cup. Just ask the Birmingham City fans. There is still a little bit of magic left in our domestic cups.

The 2011 League Cup final proved two things to me. Firstly, it showed how much winning the competition meant to Birmingham city. Critics of the competition argue the League Cup doesn’t hold any significance in the modern game anymore. But they are clearly were wrong. Birmingham’s triumph proved this, the scenes at the end of the game were euphoric. The celebrations and beaming smiles of the Birmingham fans, players and staff was quite inspiring. Most footballing fans felt a collective joy and happiness for Birmingham. Now, are you telling me League Cup doesn’t hold any significance anymore? If that critique is still believed it’s a hell of a damning view on Birmingham’s fantastic achievements.

Something else I picked up from the 2011 League Cup final was how much the defeat meant to the Arsenal players. Of course, the critics argue the League Cup is a competition that the big clubs don’t even care about. But the reactions of the Arsenal players at the end of the game tell a totally different story. The Arsenal players were shocked, hurt and even tearful after the game. The Gunners were craving to end their trophy drought. And the League Cup final gave them a fantastic opportunity to reopen their trophy cabinet. The reactions of the Arsenal players suggest one thing. They seriously cared about the League Cup. They wouldn’t have responded in such an emotive way if they didn’t have any aspirations to win the trophy.

The magic hasn’t just suddenly appeared in the final of the 2011 League Cup. It’s been apparent throughout the previous rounds. Take the third round tie between the League Two side Northampton and Liverpool at Anfield. Northampton gave it their all and matched Liverpool right to the wire. The league two side ended up embarrassing the Premier League side by winning on penalties. The fact the might of Liverpool were beaten demonstrates the beauty of our cup competitions. This is simply because Liverpool had no right to lose that game. The odds were heavily stacked against Northampton. The most beautiful aspect for Northampton was winning at Anfield. I don’t think the Northampton fans and players will ever forget that night at Anfield. But the critics argue Liverpool fielded a ‘weakened side.’ They did, no one can reject that claim. But Liverpool fielded 5 internationals. In fact three even played in the last World Cup. So there was enough quality out there to beat a struggling League Two side. And if you ask any Liverpool fan or players, they would seriously be content with a good League Cup run. Furthermore, history will tell you, Liverpool have a brilliant relationship with the League Cup. As they are the record holders with 7 League Cups to their name. So arguing the point the club doesn’t care about the League Cup is invalid.

There is the argument that a problem with the League Cup is that all the big teams are continuously wining it. It’s a valid point one has to say. But it has been like that for decades. During the 80’s, Liverpool won the League Cup four times in a row (81 -84.) Doesn’t this prove that even in the 80’s when the League Cup was taken with great seriousness, it was still being continuously won by the best teams? So the point of the League Cup being dominated by the bigger sides doesn’t mean that the cup has lost its magic or appeal. The fact it’s happened for decades suggests it’s the mere nature of the cup to be won by the elite English teams. Take Manchester United. Before being knocked out in this season’s League Cup, they won the cup twice in a row. See the similarities between the 80’s and today’s League Cup?

There is the common assertion that the teams participating in the European competitions couldn’t careless about the League Cup. This is completely wrong. Obviously, they would put their European success over the League Cup. But the English sides playing in Europe do care about the League Cup. As I’ve mentioned before, Manchester United were demolished by relegation candidates West Ham United in the fourth round this season. Again, people will say ‘United played a second team.’ But I’m sure the United fans, players and staff were deeply embarrassed to be smashed by four goals. Especially as Manchester United are a massive club, who are aspiring to win a record 19^th Premier League title. Some may feel Man United ‘have no real interest’ in the League Cup, but that would be a huge dis-service to the values of the club and the fans. The club is about winning. Every trophy is a winnable trophy and is a trophy which is cherished.

Birmingham’s League Cup triumph symbolises the importance of the League Cup in the English game. Both teams showed a passion and desire to earn their club a valuable piece of silverware. The League Cup is constantly ambushed with criticisms. But the competition still provides some of the best footballing stories and folklore.

There is something that all football fans love. The underdog triumphing. And time after time, the League Cup offers this spectacle to the football world.