5 reasons why nobody wants to take part in the Europa League
The UEFA Europa League trophyThe Europa League (the restructured version of what once used to be the UEFA Cup), in nearly half a decade of existence, has somewhat earned itself the reputation of being the black sheep of European competitions.It gives the clubs an exposure to continental football that many rather fret at and if given the chance many would rather not be involved in the competition as such.In trying to resurrect the problems created by its predecessor, UEFA themselves have created another monster which has the potential to sabotage the seasons of its competitors, a monster which doesn’t seem to be going away very soon.So why is it so? Here are five of the biggest reasons why this competition has become a health hazard for many an established side in some of the strongest leagues in Europe.
#1 Fixture congestion
The Europa League might be lesser in terms of fame and glory, but sometimes it begs to make you think whether it is even more difficult than the Champions League to conquer. A club can be stretched to the brink of its resources while in the Europa League.
The competition fields the potential of increasing the total number of games in a season by 21. A club in the most likely of scenarios will have to come out unscathed in 13 games to win the Champions League.
This huge increase in the number of games can have a huge toll on the team participating in it, jeopardising their commitments to their individual domestic leagues.
The mid-table teams which qualify for this cup don’t have the ample resources to compete in this event on most occasions. With names at the doctor’s table likely to increase after all these excursions, it makes teams not only frown at the event but throttles them in their pursuit of a European spot in their domestic competition as well.
Since its inception in 2009, of the 15 English teams to have participated in the Europa League, 10 have failed to put together a season of European football qualification in the same year.
Only four have been able to renew its allegiance with the competition the next season, while only Manchester City in 2011 with its riches have gone on to qualify for the Champions League that very season.