Why the Europa League deserves respect

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I received the following article from Alain Grimaitre, he is a Swiss LFC supporter.

No, Lyon didn’t make themselves proud in Florence but we should have never been in the situation of having to rely on others. In the end, one late goal cost the Reds the qualification. After featuring in the CL knock out stages in each of last 5 consecutive years, having reached 2 finals and a further semifinal, this comes as a big blow.

Still though, there are two positive aspects from that matchday: first, Liverpool finally won a game again and hopefully picked up some confidence. And second: it raised our chances of winning silverware this season. Winning the Champions League was always going to be very difficult and I never expected us to do so this season. But elimination from the Champions Leauge means qualification for the Europa League and while we all agree that the Europa League lacks the glamour of the CL it gives us a new chance of winning silverware. I am fully aware that in the heat of the moment some supporters would prefer not to enter the Europa League at all. Sure, the exit hurts but can we really afford being too proud of trying to win a trophy? I don’t think so. We have a rich tradition in this competition, it is one that added to our reputation as one of Europe’s finest clubs over the years and definitely deserves our respect. Yes, it is a 2nd class cup these days – but so are any other trophies that have not Premier League or Champions League written on it. Let’s face it, it all went wrong this season so far but as long as we have the chance of winning silverware, I want us to win it, no matter what the name of the competition is. I love the excitement of knock out games and reaching finals. And while it is not “Big Ears”, there are still some interesting aspects about this trophy:

…Liverpool have won the cup under its former name 3 times already – if we win the competition again, we would be record winners and make it a total of 9 European trophies (in other words: as much as Manchester Utd, Arsenal, Chelsea and Everton have won altogether…)!

…It is the very first time the competition is called “Europa League” and therefore it would be nice to be first the winners and write history!

…Personally I rate it higher than both domestic cups because it is an international trophy, more difficult to win and we can again catch Europe’s attention and make up for the early CL exit.

… Other teams such as the newly-rich Manchester City, Tottenham or Everton would all love to win it.

…The last time we won it, it was a helluva final and until Istanbul, the greatest Liverpool final I have experienced! So I’d just love us to do it again!

The first few knock out rounds will doubtless be a real test of character for the side – the wrong attitude and we’re out. Only because we are the favourite doesn’t mean we gonna win it (just ask Bayern Munich or AC Milan). But the closer the final will come, the more the players will want to be in it. Anything but showing the absolute will to bring the trophy to Anfield would hugely disappoint me.

Yes, we should be disappointed about being knocked out of the Champions League. But we  should not forget what football is about: winning trophies. And in this case an international one – something millions of supporters from other teams will never experience. So let’s go for it!

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5 Comments

  1. To win the defense will need to find some pride in its play. Though they had a clean sheet yesterday there were massive breakdowns that left the door open.

    You are right though. We need to win to rebuild confidence. If not there will not be a Champions League at all next year.

  2. Rafael Benitez is a genius who MUST remain at Anfield. Just consider

    PLAN A – Get knocked out from the Champions League, get relegated to the second division Europa League and HEY PRESTO a European Trophy MAY end up at Anfield.

    PLAN B – Get relegated from the Premier League and the club may do a Newcastle United and win the Championship Trophy.

    Two titles in successive years and Rafa will finally get the recognition he is so desperate for.

  3. Yeah, I firmly agree that no matter what the name of the competition we compete in, we all still want Liverpool to win.

    I trust u, Rafa. Let’s go n win the europa league!!
    Liverpool, I do love u…
    YNWA

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