[Danny]

I wouldn't go so far...why is this Maribor team been constantly insulted? What did they do wrong?
The UEFA Cup was full of Shellbournes and Maribors, but never then less presented a respectful tournament most of the teams tried to go as far as they can. I think a big stupidity was inventing the league system. Small clubs cannot play the 2 match rhythm (no depth) as clubs like Milan or Madrid can, and that's a part of the problem.

Nah, my dislike of the Europa League goes back to its Uefa Cup days and beyond.

It's always been a diddy cup, a consolation prize for mediocrity.

Maribor didn't do anything wrong, they're just rubbish! Like far too many of the teams in the EL.

That the favourites are Tottenham and Atletico shows how weak the cup is.

[kurtsimonw]

Poor competition.. yet a quality side wins it every year. Also more competitive unlike the borefest that is the CL.

[Milan Are Brilli...]

Maribor didn't do anything wrong, they're just rubbish! Like far too many of the teams in the EL.

Though, who else is there? Aside of putting more English, Italian & German sides in but how is that fair on those 'rubbish' teams? Greece were probably your definition of a rubbish team in Euro 2004 too... Zenit St Petersburg, were possibly too a couple of years back.

I'm quite surprised in all honesty you have this mentality. I mean if you supported Barca or something I'd just put it down to fanboyism but your first team is Rangers, who whilst good, certainly aren't a top, top team in Europe these days themselves. Therefore, I'd thought you'd have slightly more respect for these lower quality teams.

[Danny]

Though, who else is there? Aside of putting more English, Italian & German sides in but how is that fair on those 'rubbish' teams? Greece were probably your definition of a rubbish team in Euro 2004 too... Zenit St Petersburg, were possibly too a couple of years back.

That Zenit team tanked Bayern about 8-1 on aggregate. Greece were fantastic in Euro 2004 and deserved to win.

I'm quite surprised in all honesty you have this mentality. I mean if you supported Barca or something I'd just put it down to fanboyism but your first team is Rangers, who whilst good, certainly aren't a top, top team in Europe these days themselves. Therefore, I'd thought you'd have slightly more respect for these lower quality teams.

It's not about respect, it's about adjudging the quality of the teams in the tournament. You said it yourself - lower quality teams.

Rangers aren't even good enough for the EL these days - that in itself is beyond depressing but another issue entirely.

My support for Rangers has nothing to do with my view of the EL being a poor tournament.

[Danny]

Poor competition.. yet a quality side wins it every year. Also more competitive unlike the borefest that is the CL.

Well the cream usually rises to the top doesn't it?

As for competitive, looking at the recent set of results from both cups, apart from Barca's demolition of Bate, the scores are fairly comparible. Not that many drubbings in either cup tbh.

[kurtsimonw]

But how many times have Man U and Barca appeared in the Final in the last 5 or so years? It's sad.

[il_diavolo_mtl]

I wouldn't go so far...why is this Maribor team been constantly insulted? What did they do wrong?
The UEFA Cup was full of Shellbournes and Maribors, but never then less presented a respectful tournament most of the teams tried to go as far as they can. I think a big stupidity was inventing the league system. Small clubs cannot play the 2 match rhythm (no depth) as clubs like Milan or Madrid can, and that's a part of the problem.


Why Porto as an exception? The other winning team were also pretty good like Kurt said.

I don't think it's just not trying. I think they mostly aren't on level to be honest.

agreed, they are essentially a team of slovenian teens, vying for some higher quality competition, why is this a hated trait as Mexes and taiwo both cited that as the reason they came here...
They should not be ashamed or called **** because they could not beat a ex-premiership( (IMG:style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif) ) team

[Danny]

But how many times have Man U and Barca appeared in the Final in the last 5 or so years? It's sad.

Because they're the best teams in Europe? You get variety in the EL because the level drops down dramatically from the CL and leaves more random teams making it. Whereas Barca and Man U will always be in the CL because they're the best.

Although Man U haven't started this season's very well.

[kurtsimonw]

small heath lose in Braga 1-0. To give them a good chance of qualifying they needed Maribor to get a draw against Brugge. Well, Maribor found themselves 3-0 up with 16 minutes to go.

Brugge score 4 goals including a 90th minute winner. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[X-Offender]

What a disgrace, Maribor.

[Fillipo Simone]

Don't be too harsh on them (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif)

[kurtsimonw]

Spurs 1-2 PAOK.

PAOK had 10 men for nearly an hour. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/huh.gif)

This post has been edited by kurtsimonw: Nov 30 2011, 11:01 PM

[il_diavolo_mtl]

What a disgrace, Maribor.

When did Maribor become the new Inter (IMG:style_emoticons/default/blink.gif)
I have never seen a team so esoteric to Milan's cause take such heat.
Who expected one of Slovenia's top teams to attract so much hate? I mean i did expect them to lose to Brugge, but losing a 7 goal game 4-3 surely isn't disgraceful... Was Lecce disgraceful for losing to us 4-3 or a valiantly feisty side?

This post has been edited by il_diavolo_mtl: Nov 30 2011, 11:16 PM

[Fillipo Simone]

I don't get it either - with Maribor.

[kurtsimonw]

No hate from me, I'm delighted with Maribor. Now they can make up for it and win their next Europa game. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)