Elite European football returns on Wednesday (AEDT) as the UEFA Champions League and Europa League enter the pointy ends of their star-studded competitions.
The Europa League has taken on increased importance for Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou, who is stuck in the Premier League mire at 15th of 20 teams.
With such a dismal record the wolves are howling at the door but Friday’s (AEDT) European clash away to Hoffenheim – also 15th in Germany’s Bundesliga – could help at least keep them at bay.
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Ange Postecoglou at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Ange Postecoglou at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Getty
Stan Sport’s Chris Stubbs asked football host Adam Peacock whether European success would be enough to save Australian Postecoglou’s job.
“I think a game by game basis, yes, for Spurs,” Peacock replied on Tuesday’s Grand Slam Daily.
“I think he sticks. If it (sacking) hasn’t happened by now, after the Everton loss on the weekend, it’s probably not going to happen now.
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Ange Postecoglou of Tottenham Hotspur reacts after the team’s victory.
Ange Postecoglou of Tottenham Hotspur reacts after the team’s victory. Getty
“But yeah, the Europa League all of a sudden takes on extra importance and instead of shuffling around his squad, he can’t do it at the moment. He’s not got enough players.
“That’s the true issue – about what on earth is going on with their training loads and their medical staff as well, about keeping their best players on the park. He can’t do it at the moment.
“That’s been the issue.”
Spurs sit ninth of 36 teams in the revamped Europa League format.
“Ange just has to get through this tough period somehow,” Peacock said.
“There’s no certainty, but if he does, he sticks long-term as well with Spurs.”
Meanwhile, the first Champions League games to be played in January include one with shocking possible consequences in an unpredictable debut season for the format.
Paris Saint-Germain vs Manchester City on Thursday (AEDT) is a clash of super wealthy state backed teams currently a barely believable 25th and 22nd in the standings.
If the 2020 beaten finalist and 2023 champion play out a draw at Parc des Princes, both could start the 18 game final round on January 30 (AEDT) outside the top 24 places that qualify for the knockout stage.
The new format that replaced the traditional groups – now with eight games instead of six, facing eight different opponents, and two in January – is unknown territory even for UEFA, whose preseason prediction that eight points should ensure advancing likely will fall short.
However, few imagined what would play out in the first six rounds.
Man City and PSG have struggled, Real Madrid has lost half its games in 20th place despite adding Kylian Mbappe to a title-winning team, and lowest-ranked debutant Brest has cruised to four wins and seventh in the standings, just ahead of Lille.
“It would have been impossible to list these eight clubs as being in the top eight positions,” Giorgio Marchetti, the UEFA deputy general secretary, told The Associated Press in a recent interview.
“There is a lot of new fresh air.”
“I think the format has an impact,” Marchetti said, pointing to comments by Inter Milan coach Simone Inzaghi that it is more difficult to prepare for eight different opponents instead of three.
“It is more of a challenge.”
Which positions are teams playing for?
The top eight in the standings on January 30 advance directly to the round of 16 that starts in March.
They will likely include current leader Liverpool and second-placed Barcelona which are the only two teams already certain to finish in the top 24.
Liverpool is the only team to win all six games.
Teams placed from ninth to 24th go into the new knockout playoffs round.
Nos. 9-16 will be seeded in the draw on February 1 (AEDT) and will play the second leg at home.
Teams placing 17 to 24 host the first legs.
Nos. 25-36 in the standings are eliminated and do not transfer to the Europa League.
Already out are Leipzig, Slovan Bratislava and Young Boys which each lost all six games.
Why is the Champions League playing in January?
For the money, mostly.
The most influential clubs wanted a bigger and more lucrative Champions League and got two extra midweek matches for all.
The congested calendar for football left few options.
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti sparks up a cigar after winning La Liga.
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti sparks up a cigar after winning La Liga.
