Playing in the Europa League is a potential season destroyer, especially during an already downward trajectory.
I've seen a few Liverpool fans here and there saying something along the lines of "no worries, we will just play the kids until the knockout stages", as to not interfere with domestic performances. But that's not quite how it works, which they will find out soon enough. They've been lucky to avoid the grind of Europa League for enough seasons so they've forgotten what it's actually like.
Facht.
Without naming their whole squad, a few of their key players have already peaked. Their defence isn't solid anymore, but regardless it has usually been their attack that has given them an edge and thus kept them relevant or semi-relevant for too long. And whilst Trent is a big part of their attack, chances need finishing.
Facht.
Now two of their successful front three have left, only Salah remains. And yes, they have already played a full season without Mané (albeit without Diaz for most of it, so we don't know how they would've managed) it really won't be the same as Salah - Firmino - Mané.
Facht.
Also, Salah has been vital this season, evident by his statistical output, and actually watching him the times I've seen Liverpool play. Salah has that bit of extra. So if they don't invest properly to get the reinforcements needed, and Salah drops in form, they can become actually proper shite rather quickly…which would be delighting of course.
Facht.
For now, it
appears their cycle indeed is over.
Facht.
Mood:
Facht.
Yup! Since we don't look like challenging for the CL exactly, it's nice to avoid the EL. Just let's hope we don't end up there again after the CL group stages.
For me it's about avoiding the tearing effects on league form. Not worth it, especially since we've already won it. I enjoyed our 16/17 season in the EL because we won it, but unlike the CL it's not what we look to repeat.