Romeo Lavia

[Cellarite]

I wouldn't. It means you either didn't qualify for the CL or got kicked out at the group stage. It's a second tier competition that has only become more celebrated because the likes of Liverpool and the rags have been in it so the media give it attention. Before that when they were in the CL it was treated like the second rate competition it is.

It's always been prestigious for the big European teams. We're very snobby in this country about it.

 

[supercity88]

It's always been prestigious for the big European teams. We're very snobby in this country about it.

It's not as prestigious as the Champions League though, because it's second rate. It's not about being snobby. The fact is back when the European Cup was for the league winners only the UEFA Cup was definitely prestigious still. Now you're talking about the 5th best team in the major leagues going into it, and maybe being joined by some better sides knocked out from the CL. It's second rate.

The last team to win the Europa League and the league title in the same season was CSKA Moscow in 2005. In the past 18 years of the competition it's only been won by a team that has won the CL before 4 times - Chelsea twice and the rags as well as Porto. That's because they weren't good enough to be in the CL. The big European teams are in the big European tournament.

 

[Cellarite]

It's not as prestigious as the Champions League though, because it's second rate. It's not about being snobby. The fact is back when the European Cup was for the league winners only the UEFA Cup was definitely prestigious still. Now you're talking about the 5th best team in the major leagues going into it, and maybe being joined by some better sides knocked out from the CL. It's second rate.

The last team to win the Europa League and the league title in the same season was CSKA Moscow in 2005. In the past 18 years of the competition it's only been won by a team that has won the CL before 4 times - Chelsea twice and the rags as well as Porto. That's because they weren't good enough to be in the CL. The big European teams are in the big European tournament.

I agree with all that. I'd still love to win it though. When Sporting Lisbon knocked us out and when Hamburg did, I was desperate to win it. If we had a nightmare year in the Champions League and finished 3rd in a group, I'd love us to go for it and would probably prefer it over the FA Cup and certainly over the League Cup. Once we've got one, I wouldn't be arsed anymore.

Personal preference I guess.

 

[bobbyowenquiff]

I agree with all that. I'd still love to win it though. When Sporting Lisbon knocked us out and when Hamburg did, I was desperate to win it. If we had a nightmare year in the Champions League and finished 3rd in a group, I'd love us to go for it and would probably prefer it over the FA Cup and certainly over the League Cup. Once we've got one, I wouldn't be arsed anymore.

Personal preference I guess.

If we did eventually win the Europa we would join a small band of elite clubs which have won all three major European trophies the CL, UEFA, and Cup Winners Cups. I think it would be worth winning if we ever fall short in the CL. The other thing I like about the UEFA/Europa is you get some fantastic away trips to obscure places which are often more fun than CL trips.

 

[the blue panther]

If we did eventually win the Europa we would join a small band of elite clubs which have won all three major European trophies the CL, UEFA, and Cup Winners Cups. I think it would be worth winning if we ever fall short in the CL. The other thing I like about the UEFA/Europa is you get some fantastic away trips to obscure places which are often more fun than CL trips.

Oh-oh; another treble incoming!

 

[supercity88]

I agree with all that. I'd still love to win it though. When Sporting Lisbon knocked us out and when Hamburg did, I was desperate to win it. If we had a nightmare year in the Champions League and finished 3rd in a group, I'd love us to go for it and would probably prefer it over the FA Cup and certainly over the League Cup. Once we've got one, I wouldn't be arsed anymore.

Personal preference I guess.

Context is everything! If we're in it then I'd want to win it, definitely. But I wouldn't count it as a significant achievement because of what it is. I'd pick the FA Cup over it. The League Cup possibly too, but they're much of a muchness to be honest.

I hope more English teams follow West Ham's model of prioritising European competition. They stayed up, won the Conference League and so are in the Europa. Who cares if you're 6th or 16th if you win a trophy! Villa should go for it, with Emery they will do well in Europe. Brighton should go for the Europa, they've got a style that could really suit European competition.

I note the other poster, and whilst it would be nice to complete the set, my eyes are on getting more CL trophies than the rags. We're three away and I hear they're like buses!

 

[freshie]

 

[schfc6]

We obviously didn’t rate him as a £60m player. And rightly so
It’s a pure gamble on potential at that price

Agree, I think that fee is based mainly on the fact he played for us. He was no better last season than many half decent CDM’s last season. He looks bright, but £60m is a little crackers to me.

 

[Manx Blue]

TS just stated...deal done for £58 mill

 

[Damanino]

wonder if this is our Salah-KDb moment where Chelsea sold them and not really building them into the team and came back to haunt them at rivals.

I dont think he is that great but hard to say with 19 y o players what is their ceiling. Looks expensive now, maybe in two seasons he will be regarded as brutally cheap.

Dont think he would have been far behind than Rico Lewis was when Pep started to give him game time last year. going for Phillips for 45m in hindsight is a strange decision, but lets see what Kalvin adds to City this season. good thing is he cannot really add less than last season.