by Destined for MEDIOCRITY
When Uefa launched the Europa League in 2021, there was a wave of excitement across Europe. While most in England wept like Brenda from Bristol at the thought of another football tournament, those in Greece, the Czech Republic, Scotland and Hungary initially rejoiced at the thought of attainable competition, a safe space happily free from state-level wealth and tedious billionaires.
“We want to make our competitions more inclusive – to give clubs and fans the chance to dream and compete for European honours,” Uefa chief Aleksander Ceferin said as he launched the League Conference. “We have 55 national associations that make up Uefa and it is important to give clubs from as many federations as possible the opportunity to extend their European campaigns as long as possible.” If it doesn’t seem like Ceferin expected the competition to be dominated by middle-class (but wealthy) English clubs, that’s because it wasn’t. But that’s exactly what happened. West Ham, comfortably the richest team in last year’s campaign, cruised just over the finish line in last year’s final, with Lucas Paquetá providing a winning assist. You’re welcome, he’s got £50m.
This year, Aston Villa – a club who have a habit of regularly leaving their £51.9m record signing, Moussa Diaby, on the bench – are among his favourites. So, while European glory is overdue for them and West Ham, their celebration is not unlike that of Chief Michael Owen as he volleyed cleanly over a helpless 13-year-old keeper, before heading to the flag. corner, as he cupped his ear at Neville. Bright.
All this goes a long way towards setting up Monday’s Premier League game between fair (but rich) English clubs Chelsea and Newcastle, who have nothing to play for in the Premier League other than qualification for the Conference League, which which could still reach from as low as eighth. With Newcastle 10th and Chelsea 11th, this is a timely reminder for both clubs that there is still time to emulate West Ham and (presumably) Aston Villa by beating the living daylights out of some poor European elite in the League group stages of the Conference next season! Hurrah!
Both Chelsea and Newcastle have injuries. Blues manager Mauricio Pochettino, accompanied by an orchestra of tiny violins, may even have to resort to playing £20m and Carney Chukwuemeka, who has not started a game since August. Newcastle, who have won just one league game at Stamford Bridge in 38 years, also have problems: Joelinton, Nick Pope, Callum Wilson and captain Kieran Trippier are all sidelined, with Lewis Hall unavailable in against his parent club. Harvey Barnes might even get a game. How will Eddie Howe cope with all this?
Too rich for relegation and seemingly too pants for the Big Cup or Euro Vase, the only thing that can be said for sure is that this is a meeting of two clubs destined for the equator of the season this. As Football Daily tries hard to inject some meaning and danger into events, please remember that either side could enjoy Conference-flavored glory next season. Green light at the end of a dark tunnel. Come and listen to our MBM tonight!
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STATEMENT OF THE DAY
“I went on the pitch to try to stop my players from being sent off because Verona were really encouraging us in the final moments of the game and after the final whistle … that’s not a nice thing to do , I know that. It is unacceptable and I was going to explain my actions to Verona. I didn’t come on the pitch to do that” – Lecce manager Roberto D’Aversa explains why he kicked the nut on Verona striker Thomas Henry after their Serie A match on Sunday. On Monday Lecce broke it.
DAILY FOOTBALL LETTERS
“Yesterday’s amazing events certainly lived up to the hype. The Maestro spent moments of Doku’s drama in The Zone of Interest, but perhaps the most praise of the night went to Kloppenheimer” – Peter Ó
“Thank you for suggesting on Friday that Liverpool and Man City need to watch out for Arsenal’s title challenge. It reminded me of the good Fivers days circa 2010 when you were funny. I hope the jokes continue” – Neale Redington.
“Jon Milard’s letter on Friday reminded me of Hunter Davies’ great book and what he wrote about Tottenham’s latest innovation at the time – the dryer! This meant that the sweaty jumpers were not wet after lunch, the author explained. Talk about marginal gains. I bet Sir David, Sir Jim and Lord Seb are planning to bring them in at Man U as I type this” – Stephen Nimmo
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