How many extra fans did we get from the group games? How many people on here would watch the Europa League final if it turned out to be Benfica vs Basel? I would guess not many. I would argue playing a load of youngsters isnt that great for the Liverpool "Brand" (I hate that word in context to football) in the European window.
Dress it up however you want, it is very very sad of we have reached a day when Liverpool Football Club do not want to play European football!
To be fair I think its more the way we would earn European qualification by just not fouling many people instead of actually winning a trophy which is what the Liverpool way has been built on.
Fair points but a) how many local fans got to games who can't usually get a ticket (and took the kids when they can't often afford to) and b) whether or not it was good for the "brand" was it good for the young players who played?
Fair enough, I understand that logic and I agree it is a bit of a joke that you can qualify this way, but IMO we take what we can get. We take three points if the opposition score and own goal and we win 1-0, what's the difference?
Also what sort of message does it send out for the derby on Sunday it would be basically saying dont going in hard on any of there players just in case you get booked and we lose out on the fair play award.
Not really since they didn't have to say anything, this could have waited until the end of the season. Of course, you could spin it the other way and say it sends a message to the players that we're not bothered about getting EL so don't try. Its CL or nothing.
I dont know who the away game against Anzhi was good for this season wasnt good to watch wasnt good for out brand and not sure what our players would of got out of it. I can see your points still not sure which way I lean just trying to put a bit of perspective on it.
Still think this is arrogant. Turning down EL because what, we are too good for it? No we are7th in the league, we are where we are, we should be thankful that we would have been given the chance and use these games for more experience for first team and especially reserve and youth players. We can moan that we belong in the CL but at the moment we are not and just sticking our nose up at this reeks of arrogance for me. Only way this is OK is if we get in the CL next year, only way for me ( and a cup run, FA would be nice).
"Only way this is OK is if we get in the CL next year, only way for me ( and a cup run, FA would be nice)." sort of point i was trying to make, its nothing to do with sticking our noses up at it and reeks of arrogance, for me (i appreciate others disagree) i know we will play our key first team players and i don't think this will be a good distraction from what we need in which is trying to get top 4 finish as i don't believe we will win it, and be a waste of time and lose focus on the league. also add, i think this is the general consensus, but most of us believe we have one more season to try and keep hold of Suarez if we don't get CL football, well we would have no excuses if we failed now, and maybe a reality check that some of us might need as where we really are at if we did fail, but i think its better in the long run to keep our key players if we go for the top 4 with out Europa as a distraction, also clubs will be looking at Coutinho closely from now on, so we need to show intent in the league for me to keep our key players.
You're not, so it's a moot point. England aren't going to qualify for the Fair Play award, Rodgers knows this, so he's spouting ****e. In any case, you're already booked to play lucrative friendlies in the emerging markets during late July
I think the decision not to take part in the EL is so we can concentrate on getting into the top four. If this is the case then I sincerely doubt we will compromise it by going for either of the domestic cups. IMO, its a top four challenge or bust for BR next season
Where the **** have you been? In case you're not aware (think I PMd you), I'm not going to see saint now as I've got a ticket for Sunday. Can you get into the Crown for an early bevvy before the match? I'm with a BS mate
I agree with this and understand it...... but I don't like just turning it down as if we are too good for it..... we can't even make the quarterfinals let alone win the damn thing!!!!
