I think we have the most competitive league but not the most skilful. I would also say we have the most entertaining league because of the previous fact and because we play at 100 miles per hour. However, the premier league does not translate well in Europe. That's why Benitez did so well, no idea for the first year in the prem but won CL.
Agree up to the 'However', but think the stats show that English football DOES translate well to Europe.
We don't have the most competitive league. Italy and Holland are far more competitive, with France and Germany similar to ours.
It's easy to look at the CL now and say English teams aren't doing well- but would we have said that up until say, two seasons ago? True, British players don't usually have the same ball skills as some others, but football is a team game and is about much more than individual skills. In recent years the EPL has shown a very strong presence in Europe. If we're at the beginning of a significant decline then you may have a point- but wait and see- it could just be a blip and we could be back as strong as ever.
Agree but won't include arsenal in this. They are quality, robin van persie deserves to be playing cl footie lad
You also have to look at the state of the national team as well to see that English football is not as technical as other teams.
Eh... English teams have dominated Europe as a collective for ages. No other nation has had 3 teams in the Semi Finals recently and one bad season for the english sides doesnt mean anything. If it continues then yes, we have a problem but if next season United, City, Tottenham and Arsenal all have great CL runs we will be back to bigging up english football. The problem is not the quality but the fickle attitude of some fans. One bad season, ONE!
I agree with the previous few posts. I do not think our league has a problem in Europe. This season it is obvious that the two Manchester clubs have been piling on the pressure on each other in the premier league. Each side knows one slip-up domestically will let the other benefit. This is why I think the Manchester United side for example has looked weaker in Europe this year; with big players simply being rested or not included. In terms of Arsenal: Well we all know they have had the most inconsistent year, and they happened to have a pretty big blip in there first leg of round 16. And in terms of Chelsea: Well they have not played that well this season.. However they are still in the competition. The only sides that I think you could argue are better than the English sides are the two Spanish sides. And Real Madrid do not seem to click in Europe in recent years... Our problem at the moment in Europe is simply because our league is too competitive! You either focus on doing well in the league or surviving in Europe at this moment in time.
