UEFA Europa Conference League - Alkmaar, Legia and Zrinjski

[pauliewalnuts]

I spent some time earlier looking at some Juventus forums (I know, it's a slow day) to see what they were saying about the Conference League next year.

Their general line of thought seems to be that if we got drawn against them, we would win, we're the strongest team in the competition, and with Emery, we've practically got it won before a ball is kicked.

[PeterWithesShin]

This over confidence is going to bite us in the ass.

[ChicagoLion]

I wonder what their score prediction was for Stevenage.

[Monty]

I spent some time earlier looking at some Juventus forums (I know, it's a slow day) to see what they were saying about the Conference League next year.

Their general line of thought seems to be that if we got drawn against them, we would win, we're the strongest team in the competition, and with Emery, we've practically got it won before a ball is kicked.

This needs to be leavened a bit by the fact that Juve fans are having an enormous strop right now, just absolutely wallowing in self-pity.

[LeeB]

I spent some time earlier looking at some Juventus forums (I know, it's a slow day) to see what they were saying about the Conference League next year.

Their general line of thought seems to be that if we got drawn against them, we would win, we're the strongest team in the competition, and with Emery, we've practically got it won before a ball is kicked.

See, I know there are macro issues around the comparitive financial strengths of the English and Italian games, but the thought of Juventus shitting themselves about facing us is both a testament to Emery's work and a complete headfuck.

[Dogtanian]

This over confidence is going to bite us in the ass.

Yup.

Plus, if we did a WHAM! and won the bloody thing while showing everyone how shit we really are by dropping down the league table, all the good work we are doing to increase revenue and be attractive to a better class of players goes out the window.

The priority next season must be to show that we are serious about breaking into the top six, continue building our revenue and reputation, and use that to help build a squad capable of competing on multiple fronts.

I know we all want a trophy. But if that comes with a 14th place finish, it's too big a price to pay.

[LeeB]

This over confidence is going to bite us in the ass.

Yup.

Plus, if we did a WHAM! and won the bloody thing while showing everyone how shit we really are by dropping down the league table, all the good work we are doing to increase revenue and be attractive to a better class of players goes out the window.

The priority next season must be to show that we are serious about breaking into the top six, continue building our revenue and reputation, and use that to help build a squad capable of competing on multiple fronts.

I know we all want a trophy. But if that comes with a 14th place finish, it's too big a price to pay.

With respect, is it bollocks. The point of football is winning trophies.

[Dave]

Plus, if we did a WHAM! and won the bloody thing while showing everyone how shit we really are by dropping down the league table, all the good work we are doing to increase revenue and be attractive to a better class of players goes out the window.

The priority next season must be to show that we are serious about breaking into the top six, continue building our revenue and reputation, and use that to help build a squad capable of competing on multiple fronts.

I know we all want a trophy. But if that comes with a 14th place finish, it's too big a price to pay.

Is there anything that suggests that West Ham's extra European games are anything to do with their league performance?

[LeeB]

Plus, if we did a WHAM! and won the bloody thing while showing everyone how shit we really are by dropping down the league table, all the good work we are doing to increase revenue and be attractive to a better class of players goes out the window.

The priority next season must be to show that we are serious about breaking into the top six, continue building our revenue and reputation, and use that to help build a squad capable of competing on multiple fronts.

I know we all want a trophy. But if that comes with a 14th place finish, it's too big a price to pay.

Is there anything that suggests that West Ham's extra European games are anything to do with their league performance?

The got to the semi final of the higher competition last year whilst finishing 7th, which seems to be forgotten by all those making that point.

They're 14th because they made some bad signings, not because of being in Europe.

[Dogtanian]

I didn't say if we try and win it we will end up 14th.

I'm saying that if it comes to a choice between where we focus, at this point in time we need to choose the Premier League.

[Risso]

West Ham's form picked up quite noticeably from about March onwards, which would suggest that it wasn't tiredness or being in Europe that caused their shit first half of the season form.

[Nunkin1965]

We've the perfect manager as long as he's backed by sufficient recruitment to deal with the European schedule.
He's already proven with last seasons squad that players can seamlessly adapt to coming into the team.
We're clearly a season ahead of schedule anyway and I can't wait.
I think we could be top 6 plus some very strong Cup runs for next season.

[olaftab]

Doubly confident post!

[olaftab]

I spent some time earlier looking at some Juventus forums (I know, it's a slow day) to see what they were saying about the Conference League next year.

Their general line of thought seems to be that if we got drawn against them, we would win, we're the strongest team in the competition, and with Emery, we've practically got it won before a ball is kicked.

I agree with that and there is nothing wrong with overconfidence. I am NOT cancelling my hotel in Athens.

[Brend'Watkins]

If the best of the standard is based on what was offered up last night we should win it at a canter really. West Ham were no great shakes but did enough and were the better team on the night at least. Previous Vila teams would contrive to screw it up but not under Emery.

Yes, it would be good to add the trophy to our list but I wouldn't be as over the top celebrating as though it was some massive achievement if we did win it.  Besides, we'll still be celebrating the League, FA cup and League cup wins.