06-10-2005, 08:54 AM
06-10-2005, 09:40 AM
As a Liverpool fan I'm very happy. But I feel strongly about the fact that Liverpool didn't earn this. Changing the rules at the end isn't exactly sporting is it?
06-10-2005, 11:15 AM
I think UEFA messed up by assuming that the winner of their competition, which we all know was going to be Milan or Real, would also qualify from their own league. They disregarded that "cup team" spirit. UEFA should be blushing even now. Shame Liverpool have to start in 5 weeks time but at least they are in, and Everton who also deserved their spot are not disappointed. It's a fair compromise which is not overly helpful for Liverpool and drops the other English clubs' money, but I don't think the top 4 will complain too much as they could have been voted out of the CL by the FA. English clubs will need to show solidarity and not complain about this minute loss of revenue.
06-10-2005, 11:31 AM
I wouldn't have let them back in if I had a vote. I just think Liverpool's status as a big club/money spinner is all that mattered in the end.
Liverpools sense of entitlement to play in this competition really irritated me. It's supposed to be a Champions League - they were so far of the pace in the league and the rules were clear from the outset - they'd be better trying to focus on becoming a better team.
UEFA just looks weak for backing down. Add this to Man U bleating about changing the format so they don't get knocked out so early and its clear big clubs are really interested in a competition based on merit.
As an armchair spectator - European football is at it's most exciting when it a 2 leg knock-out competition with a final.
Liverpools sense of entitlement to play in this competition really irritated me. It's supposed to be a Champions League - they were so far of the pace in the league and the rules were clear from the outset - they'd be better trying to focus on becoming a better team.
UEFA just looks weak for backing down. Add this to Man U bleating about changing the format so they don't get knocked out so early and its clear big clubs are really interested in a competition based on merit.
As an armchair spectator - European football is at it's most exciting when it a 2 leg knock-out competition with a final.
06-11-2005, 01:38 AM
I just thought it was right for Liverpool to defend their title, as simple as that wink
06-11-2005, 12:23 PM
Right, which was my point. UEFA assumed the same old rich b*st*rd clubs would be at the top of the league every season and those clubs would be the ones challenging for the Champions League title. They should have changed the rules after Real Madrid finished 5th but the Spanish FA let them off the hook and put them in instead. Zaragoza should have protested as loud as Liverpool did but as they were not European champions they didn't have as loud a say as Madrid would have had. The FA did the whole crap system a favour when they let Everton in. Although I think if Everton had been booted out by Liverpool they would have been just as loud, to be honest!
06-11-2005, 02:03 PM
Cappellirossi Wrote:
It's supposed to be a Champions League - they were so far of the pace in the league and the rules were clear from the outset - they'd be better trying to focus on becoming a better team.
yes, they knew the rules before, if they wanted to be in the competiotion next season they should have played better in the prem.
I suspect few back handers were given out for this debacle to happen.
06-11-2005, 02:19 PM
Moo Wrote:
I suspect few back handers were given out for this debacle to happen.
Expect similar backhanders when a nation a little richer than Brazil wins the World Cup. Especially if they are from outside of the relative comfort of a 4-from-10 all-in-one-group South American qualifying system.