The English join the chorus of criticism against the scheduling and new format of European competitions.
The Europa League, much like its more prestigious counterpart, the Champions League, has undergone significant changes this season, introducing a revamped format that could alter the competitive landscape.
The inclusion of a league phase prior to the knockout rounds offers a fresh approach to the tournament, providing more consistency and opportunities for teams to prove themselves over several matches before entering the decisive elimination stages. One of the most notable changes is the removal of the previous system that allowed teams knocked out of the Champions League to drop down into the Europa League. This alteration could have a considerable impact on the competition, as it creates a purer pathway to the final for teams solely involved in the Europa League.
Amid these changes, Manchester United stands out as one of the primary contenders for the trophy. The English giants, who are set to visit Estádio do Dragão for a crucial second-round match, are expected to make a deep run in the competition, especially given their recent squad reinforcements and competitive ambitions. However, despite the optimism surrounding the club’s chances, Manchester United’s manager, Erik Ten Hag, has expressed concerns about the broader football calendar, highlighting the strain that the overloaded schedule places on players.
In a candid press conference ahead of Manchester United’s upcoming match against Twente, the Dutch side where Ten Hag himself concluded his playing career, the manager didn't shy away from addressing the issue. "There are too many games and too many competitions. That’s clear," he stated. "The players are overloaded, and this is not good for football. It might be good for the commercial side, but there’s a limit." His remarks underscore a growing sentiment among managers and players that the packed football calendar is not only physically demanding but also increases the likelihood of injuries, potentially jeopardizing both individual careers and team performance.
Ten Hag continued by noting the challenges that clubs face in navigating these demands. "It's almost inevitable that players will get injured due to the overload of so many games. As a club, we can’t change this alone. We have to work to improve the game and find the right balance. We are professionals, and the revenue has to come in, but we need to balance it." His comments reflect a broader frustration within the football community, where financial interests often clash with concerns for player welfare. For Manchester United, this balancing act will be critical as they navigate a season packed with domestic and European commitments, with the added pressure of being one of the favorites to lift the Europa League trophy.
Meanwhile, the Europa League is drawing attention from other top European clubs, including several Portuguese sides and their international opponents. FC Porto, one of Portugal’s biggest football clubs, will be keeping a close eye on the matchup between Denmark’s Midtjylland and Germany’s Hoffenheim, both of whom are potential obstacles in their own campaign. These clubs will test Porto’s mettle as they seek to advance in European competition.
Elsewhere, SC Braga’s focus will soon shift to their upcoming encounter with Greek giants Olympiacos. The Greek side, who travel to France to face Lyon in their next fixture, are set to provide a stern challenge for Braga in their own Europa League journey. Olympiacos, with their rich history in European competitions, will be looking to assert their dominance and continue their path toward the later stages of the tournament.
Beyond these high-profile matches, the involvement of Portuguese players across various European clubs adds another layer of interest to the day’s fixtures. Alexandre Penetra, who plays for AZ Alkmaar in the Netherlands, will be looking to help his team make a strong push in the competition. Similarly, Dinis Almeida of Ludogorets, Vieirinha of PAOK, and Nuno Tavares of Lazio all have important roles to play for their respective teams. Lazio, in particular, will be of interest to Portuguese fans, as they are set to host FC Porto on November 7 and will face Braga on January 30, creating a series of crucial matchups for the Portuguese teams.
The next day’s action will also feature an intriguing managerial showdown, as José Mourinho’s Fenerbahçe takes on Belgium’s St. Gilloise in Turkey. Mourinho, a legend in the world of football management, remains a figure of fascination as he continues to add to his illustrious career. His Fenerbahçe side will be eager to make an impact in European competition, and Mourinho’s tactical acumen will be on full display as he looks to guide the Turkish club through a challenging European campaign.
As the Europa League unfolds, the combination of revamped formats, elite clubs, and star players is shaping up to deliver an exciting season of football. However, the ongoing debate about the packed schedule and the toll it takes on players remains a key talking point. Managers like Erik Ten Hag are pushing for change, advocating for a balance between the demands of the game and the well-being of the players. Whether these concerns will lead to any significant reforms remains to be seen, but for now, the focus is on the action on the pitch, where clubs like Manchester United, FC Porto, and Braga aim to make their mark on the competition.
