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Very early days, but in the event of not progressing through group stages, would we want to finish third and go into Europa League?

I ask as our next two games are against CSKA and if we win both, which I think we will or even win one draw one, we are almost certain to finish at least third. Assuming we win both, this will give us confidence to then get results in last two games, which are tricky to say the least. Bayern may do us a favour and beat Roma twice making our life easier.

Now, there is no question of Pellegrini sacrificing the Champs League, but if we did drop into Europa will the Sheikh demand success in that, which may lead to the detriment of the assault on the Prem? As such would we be better off finishing fourth and avoiding Europa?

Personally think we might just sneak second as I fancy Bayern to win next two and qualify and take foot off gas when they come to Etihad so we will get a result there. Should we fuck it up I wouldn't mind a couple of games in Europa, as it may give Pellers some further education in how to approach European games and we can hopefully blood another youngster or two and give Pozo more game time.

Can see an argument the other way as elimination full stop allows us to concentrate on the domestic front.

Thoughts?

To be honest even if Bayern take their foot off the gas i still can't see us beating them going off some of our performances this season.
Yes I know I sound a negative bastard but still gutted with the showing or lack of last night.

Yes and I would to gain more European experience and win the thing albeit playing a lot of 2nd string players.

We need a run in Europe, many a team has cut it's teeth via this route, we could do worse, no disrespect meant but many blues seem to want to run before we can walk. This competition is beyond us it is clear to see a run in the second tier could be a good thing.

Not for me. Not that I wouldn't want to win the Europa League as I'm not a snob but I don't like the format of CL teams falling into the Europa and pissing on the chips of all those who have played a billion games to get to the play-offs.

If it's such an integrated league, where one supplements the other, then let those who win their groups move into the CL.

No, thought not.

Its a trophy isn't it?

Premier League
FA Cup
League cup

yes why not add a Europa cup to that list.

Some of the other European teams take this competition seriously - if we end up in it then we should go out to win it.

If we end up in it Id be fucked right off if we didn't try to win it.

Try to win it if it suits us.

If not, chuck it in. If everyone is fit & we are doing well in the league then the Europa is not a problem. If we pick up injuries & fatigue, just throw the kids in. Simple.

Go for it, it's a European trophy.

Winning it would do wonders for our European coefficient and that my friends is the real secret behind CL success.

We could even get an easier draw for once.

gmercer1 wrote:To be honest even if Bayern take their foot off the gas i still can't see us beating them going off some of our performances this season.
Yes I know I sound a negative bastard but still gutted with the showing or lack of last night.

we don't need to beat Bayern to finish 2nd

phips wrote:

gmercer1 wrote:To be honest even if Bayern take their foot off the gas i still can't see us beating them going off some of our performances this season.
Yes I know I sound a negative bastard but still gutted with the showing or lack of last night.

we don't need to beat Bayern to finish 2nd

We would then need to beat Roma away or hope that Roma cock up against Bayern and we get a draw in Rome. And of course beat Cska both times. Pretty hard.

Imo, our condition in the league should define what should be done. If we perfrom like 2012/13 in the league and are far behind come February, then I would rather go for the FA cup and Europa league. 2 cups or more if we are there in the League Cup too would be brilliant. And we have the squad to do it too.

phips wrote:

gmercer1 wrote:To be honest even if Bayern take their foot off the gas i still can't see us beating them going off some of our performances this season.
Yes I know I sound a negative bastard but still gutted with the showing or lack of last night.

we don't need to beat Bayern to finish 2nd

No but it would certainly help

gmercer1 wrote:

phips wrote:

gmercer1 wrote:To be honest even if Bayern take their foot off the gas i still can't see us beating them going off some of our performances this season.
Yes I know I sound a negative bastard but still gutted with the showing or lack of last night.

we don't need to beat Bayern to finish 2nd

No but it would certainly help

We probably do have to beat Roma in Rome though

If we drop into it then we drop into it.

The order should always be.

League
FA CUP
Champions League
League Cup
Europa


I wont be going to any of the games anyways should it happy i'm an empty seat.

we could always look to finish bottom of the group and arrange some high profile midweek friendlies instead...

I agree with Beefy - it never seems right to me that Champions league failure is rewarded with a place amongst other teams that have worked their arses off to get to the same stage in Europa
I'd take it though

if we won it, would chelsea stop asking where this is

Beefymcfc wrote:Not for me. Not that I wouldn't want to win the Europa League as I'm not a snob but I don't like the format of CL teams falling into the Europa and pissing on the chips of all those who have played a billion games to get to the play-offs.

If it's such an integrated league, where one supplements the other, then let those who win their groups move into the CL.

No, thought not.

Really good post.

If there ever was a distinct 'danger' of us coming only third and going into the Europa, I think we should put a load of youngsters into the side and see what happens.

If we were to still 'qualify' for the Europa after all that, IMHO we should continue to play a complete team of youngsters in that competition until we were knocked out.