Ex-Arsenal Boss Arsene Wenger Claims Europa League Winners Shouldn’t Get Champions League
- Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger angered Manchester United fans after claiming Europa League winners shouldn't play in the Champions League
- The Frenchman said winners should play in the Europa League, a remark Man United felt was directed at them
- The Red Devils and Tottenham Hotspur will likely meet in the final if they avoid defeat in the second leg of the semis this week
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Former Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger angered Manchester United fans by saying Europa League winners shouldn't qualify for the Champions League. The Red Devils are one step from reaching the final.
Source: Getty Images
What did Arsene Wenger say about Europa League?
Wenger hit the headlines in the last few days by claiming that Europa League winners should compete in the same competition rather than qualify for a Champions League spot.
Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are one step from reaching the final this week. The two sides are having their worst Premier League campaigns.
The Red Devils are in 15th place, while Spurs sit 16th. Both teams have lost a total of 35 league games this season. Manchester United won the Europa League in 2017 and secured a spot in Europe's premier competition despite finishing sixth.
Wenger was asked whether it is "right" for Europa League winners to qualify for the Champions League during a show on BeIN Sports.
"No - they should qualify automatically for the Europa League again but not necessarily for the Champions League," he said. "Especially when you're in the Premier League, where already five teams qualify."
The rule was introduced in 2014, and Wenger has suggested a review of the rule.
"I think it's something (for Uefa) to think about and to review. On the other hand people will tell you that to keep the Europa League focused, interesting and motivated you need to give them that prize (of qualifying for the Champions League)."
Source: Getty Images
Man United fans react to Arsene Wenger's take
"Funnily, at the start of the Europa League campaign no one cared about what the winners got - now everyone seems to care because Man United are on the brink of advancing to the final."
"Wenger should be the last person to comment on winning an European trophy."
That’s fine. We’ll change the Champions League back to league champions only as well then. I’m sure Arsene will support this.
"Conveniently chirpy now Spurs and United have an opportunity to win it. Didn't hear such nonsense when Arsenal were in their final."
Spurs have not won a trophy in 16 years and will be aiming to finish a dreadful league campaign with silverware.
Who will win Europa League? Supercomputer predicts
Earlier, TUKO.co.ke reported that Opta's supercomputer predicted the Europa League winner after last week's matches.
Man United are the leading favourites after their 3-0 win in the first leg against Athletic Club. They've been given a 52.4% chance.
Tottenham, who defeated Bodo/Glimt 3-1, have a 43.2% chance of winning the competition on May 21.
Proofreading by Mercy Nyambura, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
