Didn't see the game but it sounds like I didn't miss much. Is the Europa League the most dull tournament going? Think i've only ever seen 1 decent match & that was Zenit at Anfield a couple of years back.
Would have probably been better off finishing second, looking at possible opponents for the next round!
That was Utrecht boring. Smith the only one who played well and surely 2nd choice there now (is Enrique even 4th choice?!), but he was the only one with any real reason to turn up. Seeing how Sion celebrated afterwards that type of game, both teams happy with a point & avoiding injuries on a terrible surface, was always bound to happen. Tbf we have had quite a few stinkers in it but there are often very entertaining games otherwise!
In the Europa League's defence.. They are a league of the lesser teams of lesser leagues more so than the champions league. Especially the group stage. Also I feel Liverpool mostly used it to get a look at younger talent this season as I can only think of once, maybe twice, we really fielded a strong team for a game. I would think it will pick up in the knockout phase.
It's good after the group stage. Some tough teams in it. Sevilla, Valencia, Galatasaray and Shakhtar added to the unseeded teams now also. Good chance we will get a tough draw.
well we swerved Dortmund, their game against Porto will put one of the best sides out. Augsburg, return to Germany for Klopp.
They seem to be happy about playing at "historical Anfield", & think the draw is "madness" & "awesome". & they're also saying that Klopp won't underestimate them cos he knows them.
One of the biggest games in their history mate. Probably won't ever happen again for Augsburg (unless they were to somehow progress). They overachieved last season, first time they've qualified for European completion. They've also got quite an old squad (or did last year) so think you'll breeze through. Good draw for you in terms of progression and pretty much a dream draw for them. I was in Augsburg in August. A little gutted as I would love to have done an away trip with Spurs. If anyone is planning on going I'd probably fly in to Munich, spend some time there and then spend a day or so in Augsburg. Usually want the English clubs to do well in the Europa but for selfish reasons I hope they progress. Hopeful I'll get out there for a game at some point, if I wasn't already going away in February I'd be half tempted getting a ticket for the game in Augsburg
As an American I'm unaware of people's opinion on this. Of course Liverpool fans want Liverpool to win the Europa League... Just as I'm sure Manchester City fans want Manchester City to win the Champions League. Now as a Liverpool fan I would never cheer for Manchester United in the Europa League, but as far as you all being from England... If Liverpool are knocked out, would you still cheer for any remaining English teams in the Europa League?
I wouldn't begrudge seeing Spurs (not at our expense mind you) or City doing well in europe. Any of the other three (United, Arsenal and Chelsea)? Nah, knocked out asap please.
Yeah I was a little concerned about any team who qualified from the Bundesliga at first but it looks like they were one season wonders. Not in the Europa League because there's a CL spot up fro grabs. I wouldn't 'cheer' for them but I hope English teams do well. Plus the more game sthey play the better the chances their league form will be affected.
