The Fourth Champions League Spot

[Bender]

ENGLISH clubs are set to drop out of the top two in UEFA’s co-efficient table for the first time since 2006 – and could soon see their fourth Champions League place under threat.

Clubs are awarded points for results and progression in Europe’s top two tournaments.

Italy lost their fourth Champions League place to Germany in 2011 – despite Jose Mourinho’s Inter Milan being crowned European champions the previous season. With six clubs still in Europe, the Italians will be closing in on one of England’s four places.
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[G]

I was wondering about this during the week. Thought it might start being a issue soon alright.

[Bender]

I was wondering about this during the week. Thought it might start being a issue soon alright.

More emphasis on winning The Europa League,what with the Golden Ticket to the Champions League for the winners,although not sure if they get a guaranteed place or have to go via a qualifying game.

[G]

It's a group stage place as long as the champion's league winners qualify for it the following season through their own league.

[Bender]

It's a group stage place as long as the champion's league winners qualify for it the following season through their own league.

WTF i seem to have a direct line to UEFA cheers G

[rodo]

To be honest could be a good thing its a bit **** that 4th is now seen as some kind of achievment

[G]

WTF i seem to have a direct line to UEFA cheers G

I had researched this this season already

[BobTheCharmer]

To be honest could be a good thing its a bit **** that 4th is now seen as some kind of achievment

Make it top two.

[RichC]

Never going to happen as commercially it makes no sense

[BobTheCharmer]

Probably not but cutting to 3 would help our league. For example Arsenal would have to up their game as they would no longer have the comfort of doing just enough to squeeze top four. I think top four has made them lazy. I don't think that is Wenger's fault but a player mentality thing. They will probably get 2nd this year but won't of challenged at any point. Anything that reduces the acceptability of being championed for finishing not first basically must be a good thing.

But as money talks, no top four will probably mean the famous 39th game abroad coming to fruition. Clubs will demand it. Fans will have no choice.

How about a grand league style play off at the end of the season ala Rugby League?

[dww]

What is the coefficient gap? IIRC someone on the Guardian podcast had looked at it and we have at least two more seasons of poor performance before we have to think about the loss of a place.

[RichC]

If we lose that 4th spot you'd think it would only be for a short period of time before it headed back to us simply down to the resources available in the league I do agree though it's made finishing 4th an achievement.

That horrible sodding 39th game idea where it'll be played offshore somewhere and used solely as a money making exercise

I think the super league idea could be interesting but I'm not sure the likes of Chelsea would be up for it.

[Robbie-9-Fowler]

Who would we lose it too? France can't be anywhere near us and I can't see Italy being close either..

[RichC]

Italy would be the main concern for losing a place but as Dave says it's not going to be an issue for a couple of seasons

[dww]

Who would we lose it too? France can't be anywhere near us and I can't see Italy being close either..

Italy have been picking up a lot of coefficient points by taking the Europa league seriously.

http://www.uefa.com/memberassociations/uefarankings/country/

Looks like the thing is that after next season we will be losing two big seasons and replacing them with one below Italy. If that kept on for a couple of seasons we would be below them (their two oldest seasons are crap).