Ardwick Green Blue
Well-Known Member
I didn't want Liverpool to go through last night but there's no point in being bitter about it as over the two legs they were far better than Barcelona so fair play to them.
That said, it is clear that the old European elite group of clubs is a busted flush and there is every chance that PL clubs will dominate European competition in the years to come. Barca rely on an ageing Messi surrounded by players that are over the hill or not good enough, Real need a complete rebuild, Bayern has hit the buffers with their policy of buying German players at bargain prices, PSG have peaked and Juventus are ancient. We have an unbelievable squad but if you are honest you have to say we have consistently underperformed in the CL. Liverpool have made the final two years running and this season they have done it whilst pushing us all the way in the league. There is no reason why Spurs can't strengthen their squad and get right up there too. Chelsea have lost their way a bit but if Abramovich regains his interest or sells up then they can be a player too.
You can understand that the new FFP proposals aren't just aimed at us but at the PL as a whole as the combination of the strength of the league and the huge financial fire power is seen as an unacceptable threat to the clubs that have been used to being at the top of European football for decades. Like many, I'm not hugely enamoured with the CL but we'll have to accept that we have to do better in it and I'm sure after this season it will be made our top target and the fighting for four trophies approach will go.
That said, it is clear that the old European elite group of clubs is a busted flush and there is every chance that PL clubs will dominate European competition in the years to come. Barca rely on an ageing Messi surrounded by players that are over the hill or not good enough, Real need a complete rebuild, Bayern has hit the buffers with their policy of buying German players at bargain prices, PSG have peaked and Juventus are ancient. We have an unbelievable squad but if you are honest you have to say we have consistently underperformed in the CL. Liverpool have made the final two years running and this season they have done it whilst pushing us all the way in the league. There is no reason why Spurs can't strengthen their squad and get right up there too. Chelsea have lost their way a bit but if Abramovich regains his interest or sells up then they can be a player too.
You can understand that the new FFP proposals aren't just aimed at us but at the PL as a whole as the combination of the strength of the league and the huge financial fire power is seen as an unacceptable threat to the clubs that have been used to being at the top of European football for decades. Like many, I'm not hugely enamoured with the CL but we'll have to accept that we have to do better in it and I'm sure after this season it will be made our top target and the fighting for four trophies approach will go.