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CL format

Simple question, does the CL format need changing from group stages to straight knockout rounds like it used to be?

I personally think the quality of the CL is getting worse imo. Every week now there seems to be some teams getting beat 5-0+ which shows the gulf in class between these sides. Would going to a straight knockout round make it any better for teams or does the group stage give teams a better chance of qualification?

Out of all the groups, only 2 of the bottom 8 teams in each group managed to win a game and they both came in the last round of fixtures as well. That imo represents low quality in the group which teams like PSG, Bayern, Real Madrid, Barcelona etc probably shouldn't be competing against because it doesn't really help either side imo.

Should a straight 2 leg knockout round be re-introduced so that these lower quality teams go out at an earlier stage and that we get to see better quality teams later in the competition? Or does it really make a difference? Personally, I think maybe a knockout round format might be better for most teams imo. I would also potentially be in favour of a European Super League and then have the CL knockout round for 32 the Champions of 32 countries. Of course they would overlap so it would make it awkward but it is just a suggestion. What do you think?

posted on 8/12/17

"Nope, the changes to the European Cup were because of the widening gap between the top leagues and the next tier"

Any basis for that comment?

I don't see how the changes to the European Cup helped football deal with things like the Bosman ruling... care to explain?

posted on 8/12/17

comment by Winston (U16525)
posted 5 minutes ago
"Nope, the changes to the European Cup were because of the widening gap between the top leagues and the next tier"

Any basis for that comment?

I don't see how the changes to the European Cup helped football deal with things like the Bosman ruling... care to explain?

-------
There are many examples of the widening gap that meant the European Cup was beginning to be full of mismatched one sided games.
As said, the changes in Europe meant there were a lot of new countries meaning a lot of new teams to the competition - but teams who were not competitive.

The changes "didn't help deal with" the Bosman Rule, the Bosman Rule had an impact on European football that weakened the strength of a champions only competition.

posted on 8/12/17

A European Cup under whatever name it chooses needs to be two things. Inclusive of all countries in UEFA but also competitive. The current format, although not perfect, gives us the best chance of achieving both goals.

posted on 8/12/17

comment by D'Jeezus Mackaroni (U1137)
posted 56 seconds ago
comment by Winston (U16525)
posted 5 minutes ago
"Nope, the changes to the European Cup were because of the widening gap between the top leagues and the next tier"

Any basis for that comment?

I don't see how the changes to the European Cup helped football deal with things like the Bosman ruling... care to explain?

-------
There are many examples of the widening gap that meant the European Cup was beginning to be full of mismatched one sided games.
As said, the changes in Europe meant there were a lot of new countries meaning a lot of new teams to the competition - but teams who were not competitive.

The changes "didn't help deal with" the Bosman Rule, the Bosman Rule had an impact on European football that weakened the strength of a champions only competition.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
And sky's blatant money manipulation of leagues was the real killer. It was pretty even for the most part until they injected huge amounts into the league, creating a gap. I won't remember them fondly for what they've done to football, as with most things they get involved in, they ruin it.

posted on 8/12/17

D'Jeezus Mackaroni (U1137)

Are there any actual sources for that claim, or is that just your opinion?

posted on 8/12/17

comment by Winston (U16525)
posted 9 minutes ago
D'Jeezus Mackaroni (U1137)

Are there any actual sources for that claim, or is that just your opinion?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Yes, competition results

posted on 8/12/17

Only 6 countries have had multiple European Cup / CL wins by their clubs.
All had wins before and after the change of format.

The impressions people are trying to give of an 'anyone can win it' competition before the format changes are misleading. It was a competition dominated by pretty much the same countries as it is now - albeit with Ajax falling away.

The changes just made the competition a bit more competitive by adding more teams from the elite to fight for the prize.

posted on 8/12/17

D'Jeezus Mackaroni (U1137)

That isn't a source to back up the assertion that this was the reason for the decision, so I can only assume you don't have any source for that.

It seems logical what you're saying, but would be interested to read more about it because I think you're missing quite a few of the key reasons involved in the changes - namely Sky TV and $$$$$.

posted on 8/12/17

The format change to include a group system outdates both the Champions League and the PL.
Sky money didn't really play a major role until the 00s, it wasn't a case that clubs became super rich straight off the back of the Sky deal.
Abramovich buying Chelsea is really the signpost of when the financial strength of the PL came to fruition.

posted on 8/12/17

D'Jeezus Mackaroni (U1137)

But that doesn't mean that ultimately money was at the heart of the decision, along with other elements.

Might research it some more as it seems like an interesting subject.

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