The Price of European Football for Premier League Clubs

As European competitions are set to commence this week, a significant number of Premier League clubs are gearing up for international play. However, questions loom about the potential impact of these matches on their domestic league performance.

A Historic European Presence

This season marks a remarkable achievement for English football, with nine clubs participating in European tournaments:

• Champions League: Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Newcastle, and Tottenham.
• Europa League: Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest.
• Conference League: Crystal Palace.

Meanwhile, teams without European commitments may benefit from a less congested schedule, allowing them to rest better in between fixtures.

The Leicester City Model

Leicester City’s stunning Premier League triumph in the 2015-16 season serves as a case in point. They played a mere 43 matches, unhindered by European distractions. In contrast, clubs succeeding in this season’s European competitions could encounter a taxing schedule, playing at least 55 games: 38 league matches, a minimum of two domestic cups, and between 15 to 17 European fixtures.

Ultimately, teams must decide: Do they prefer a better chance at league success with fewer games or the allure of additional trophies tied to a demanding schedule?

Former England player Matt Upson weighed in, recalling his experience with Champions League matches and stressing the importance of rhythm for players, although he acknowledged that the number of games could become overwhelming.

Prioritizing the League

The Challenge of a Congested Schedule

Leicester City and Chelsea remain the only Premier League champions who captured the title without participating in European competitions. Historical data shows that some teams have thrived without the added strain of continental matches, like the early years of the league.

However, since the introduction of the Champions League, several clubs have successfully claimed top-four standings without European football, with Newcastle last achieving this feat in the 2022-23 season. Yet, others, such as Manchester United and Manchester City, have gone on to win the Premier League while competing in Europe, demonstrating the challenges and benefits of dual commitments.

Competitive Comparisons

As the current season unfolds, certain teams are already facing steep workloads. For instance, Crystal Palace have played seven matches, anticipating potentially 29 by Christmas. In contrast, teams like Bournemouth and Leeds, having exited earlier from the Carabao Cup, may only have 18 by then.

Upson highlighted that for clubs like Manchester United with fewer matches, the lack of fixtures could be advantageous, although he expressed concerns about the environment surrounding the team amid performance struggles.

The Drawbacks of European Aspirations

Struggling for Balance

Recent examples suggest that focusing on European glory can lead to domestic troubles. In the previous season, both Tottenham and Manchester United suffered in the league while competing in the Europa League, illustrating how prioritizing European commitments can lead to detrimental outcomes.

Other examples include Burnley, who faced relegation after their brief venture in the Europa League, and Newcastle, who similarly struggled after their attempts in Europe led to lackluster league performances.

A Rare Experience for Teams

For some clubs, a season devoid of European competition presents an unfamiliar scenario. Manchester United will only have their second season without continental matches since the 1990s, following a disappointing exit from the Carabao Cup. They need to reach the FA Cup’s final to approach a healthier total of appearances in all competitions.

This article explores the delicate balance English clubs must maintain between their league duties and European aspirations. With the onset of the European tournaments, the strategic choices made by each club will be crucial for their overall success this season.