[X-Offender]

So, we're only 6 points shy from 5th place, which is currently occupied by Verona. The teams ahead of us aren't particularly threatening. With 16 weeks left, and with our form and game improving under Seedorf, I'd say it is possible to make the Europa League for next season. The question is: is it worth it?

Personally, I say no. Why? First of all, the monetary value of going through the group stages is very low. In order for us to gain something financially from the competition would be to make it to the final and win the goddamn thing. And let's be honest, we've never won the thing in our history and we sure as hell aren't going to win it now. So, bottom line: too much hassle for nothing.

I'd prefer if we could concentrate just on the league next season, like Roma are doing now, and try to make second place. Clearly Seedorf is using the rest of this season to develop the ideal system and game plan that he's going to be using for next season onwards, getting players acquainted with his gaming philosophy, their new duties and positions, analysing which players are worth it and which aren't etc.

This season is wasted after all, since we can't make CL, and that's what really counts.

[Jack Sparrow]

I want Europa League, because I think it's important for Zee to get a look at European football without a lot of pressure.

Also the team needs to get used to playing competitive football in 3 competitions. For me keeping in mind our budgets, I don't think we have any shot at getting top notch players like the Ozils or the Silva's or anything. I'd like our next transfer season to be focused on filling the gaps in the first team. We need the three competitions to understand where the holes in terms of depth are. Then we can fill it in just in time for CL in 2016/17. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

[dst]

Yes. Because... competing.

[Fillipo Simone]

I agree with X-Off, just look at how great Roma and Juventus did with their Europe-hiatus.

[KillerMax]

Can we opt out if we make it? Or are we talking about intentionally not making it? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/unsure.gif)

[Jack Sparrow]

I agree with X-Off, just look at how great Roma and Juventus did with their Europe-hiatus.

Yes. And very promptly they get skewered when they get into Europe the next season. Because they have no inkling (neither the coach nor the players) of playing in 3 different competitions.

[dst]

Can we opt out if we make it? Or are we talking about intentionally not making it? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/unsure.gif)

Haha, I'm sure Galliani will say we intentionally didn't make it if we do.

Yes. And very promptly they get skewered when they get into Europe the next season. Because they have no inkling (neither the coach nor the players) of playing in 3 different competitions.

Listen to the captain!

[Fillipo Simone]

Yes. And very promptly they get skewered when they get into Europe the next season. Because they have no inkling (neither the coach nor the players) of playing in 3 different competitions.

Naah, I don't buy into this. Seedorf will play at least 2 CL matches this season. As a player he has immense experience, just like Tassotti has as assistant. And on top of it, all our players are used playing the CL, and that's something you don't forget doing so easily.

[Jack Sparrow]

But then so does Conte. Experience in playing CL that is. I think the coaching exposure is quite different to a playing atmosphere.

I would see little other than an aggressive winning mentality can be passed on.

[X-Offender]

I'm with Fillipo. I don't think playing the EL or not is going to make any difference in that aspect. Juve didn't get skewered last season, which was their first in CL after a very long time. On the contrary, they finished first in their rather tough group, beating Chelsea 3-0 in the run. They made it to the quarter-finals, only to be defeated by Bayern. And even against them they put a very decent performance.

As for Roma, they haven't played yet in the CL, so your argument doesn't apply here.

[han2503]

EL would be nothing but a waste of time and resources. Let Inter and Fiorentina get those spots.

[Guest_Suhail 3_*]

It would be nice to aim for 4th this season and if we are in the Europa we can just send out the reserves/second string.

End of the day it is still Europe, so i wouldnt mind playing someone like man united or liverpool in the competition.

[X-Offender]

It would be nice to aim for 4th this season and if we are in the Europa we can just send out the reserves/second string.

End of the day it is still Europe, so i wouldnt mind playing someone like man united or liverpool in the competition.

What for?

[il_diavolo_mtl]

I would say yes even if its not the shinniest prize available for the following reason. It's a slipery slope to write off competitions or years, but if you're going to do it, do it 100%. if we are, let's be honest, we have enjoyed a recent boom in youth spending and development over the past 2 years, MDS, SES, Niang, Vergara, Pacifico, Saponara, Cristante, Petagna, Henty, Di Molfetta, Gabriel, Mastour... The EL would be the competitive reserve league we always moan about not having, why not play the likes of youths that can only grow by european experiences, and by the same token, why not play Junk players we NEED to get rid of, so they can atleast be more match fit for potential buyers..

I'm not saying go crazy and try to win it, but how long do you think the likes of Balo, Honda, Mexes, Rami, De Jong will stay without european possibilities?

[Linkman]

Also the team needs to get used to playing competitive football in 3 competitions. For me keeping in mind our budgets, I don't think we have any shot at getting top notch players like the Ozils or the Silva's or anything. I'd like our next transfer season to be focused on filling the gaps in the first team. We need the three competitions to understand where the holes in terms of depth are. Then we can fill it in just in time for CL in 2016/17. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

We've always been playing three competitions. We know what that depth is. It's Galliani's fault we don't fill it.