Why English Clubs are Missing in European Finals
Aston Villa’s loss against Olympiacos means for the first time since 2021, English clubs will not feature in any of the 3 European competition finals. This shocking trend has prompted questions about the reasons behind it. These reasons are:
Increased Competition
The English Premier League (EPL) is one of the most competitive leagues in the world. This season alone has seen increased competition within the EPL regardless of the fixture as each team has at least two stars and top talent from various nationalities.
As it stands the EPL is yet to celebrate their winner while other major leagues like Serie A, Ligue 1, and Bundesliga where the winner is already decided.
UEFA Coefficient Rankings
The UEFA coefficient ranking system determines the number of slots each country receives in European competitions. England ranked 3rd place meaning only teams that finish top four in the premier league will qualify for the Champions League.
This season saw Manchester City and Arsenal knocked out of the Champions League, while Liverpool, West Ham, and Aston Villa saw their European dreams dashed. The lack of English clubs in the finals directly impacts England’s coefficient ranking and affects future allocations of spots for English teams.
Injuries, Fatigue, and Fixture Congestion
The demanding schedule and competitive nature of EPL, especially during the weekend and double-game weeks, has taken a toll on players. English clubs often face a demanding domestic league campaign, domestic cup competitions, and European fixtures.
Unlike other major leagues in Europe where the winner is already decided, English clubs are still battling for top positions in the league. This ongoing fight for points can lead to fatigue, especially when there are midweek European fixtures.
Conclusion
While the absence of English clubs in the finals is upsetting, it highlights the competitive nature of European football. English clubs must adapt, recover, and strategize for future seasons. As other leagues celebrate their champions, the EPL clubs continue to pursue their winner. We can only hope they bounce back stronger next season.