Team Focus: The Trials and Tribulations of Returning to European Competition

As clichéd a phrase as it may be, a 'European hangover' is all too common in modern football. It’s an easy excuse for any team to use should they suffer defeat on the back of their Champions League or Europa League excursions, and one that is brought up time and time again. Tottenham would be a perfect example of the after effects of a team under performing on the back of a European fixture. Mauricio Pochettino’s side have picked up just 6 points from a possible 15 following Europa League duties this season, a poor return for a side that harbours Champions League ambitions. 

Their problems are well documented, but it is also worth analysing Liverpool, Everton, Roma and Borussia Mönchengladbach’s form post-European fixtures this term. The difference between these four teams and Spurs is that the quartet were not participating in European competition last term. As a result, each side exceeded expectations to secure a spot in the Champions League or Europa League this season. 

Liverpool and Roma came close to upsetting the odds under Brendan Rodgers and Rudi García, respectively, while 5th and 6th placed finishes for Everton and Gladbach saw them entered into the Europa League. With the extra burden of European duties, league form can suffer, as has been the case for teams in the past. Liverpool's example is perhaps the best case with regards to their performances dipping in the league upon their return to the Champions League. 

The Reds were one of the most exciting teams in England’s top tier last term, but missed out on what would have been their first Premier League title by just 2 points. A lack of continental action allowed for Liverpool to consistently field their strongest XI without the risk of burnout or injury, which brought out the best in star performers Luis Suarez, Daniel Sturridge and Steven Gerrard. 

However, the departure of Suarez has dented their hopes of progressing to the next round of the Champions League, while they currently sit 9 points off of table-toppers Chelsea in the Premier League. Evidently the Reds are struggling to balance both European and domestic duties, taking only 4 points from a possible 9 following midweek Champions League games, coming at home to West Brom and Hull. 

The team may be abiding to Rodgers’ wishes in holding onto the ball - Liverpool’s possession average of 54.8% is the same this season as it was last - but they are struggling to forge as many goalscoring opportunities. This is highlighted best in that the Merseysiders averaged more shots per game last term (17.1) than they are this season (16), despite the acquisition of trigger-happy striker Mario Balotelli. Fatigue is likely to have played a part in this. With a game every 3 days rather than every 7, teams know that the Reds tire quicker, and thus they can limit their opportunities in front of goal. 

With opposition sides now more compact when they face Liverpool, the Reds are also less direct with their play when they are on the ball. The Merseyside outfit are averaging fewer successful dribbles per league game this season (10.2) than they were last term (12.4), though that is down to the departure of Suarez and injury to Sturridge. As a result, Liverpool are now playing the ball to the wings more, with the team averaging more crosses per game this campaign (21) than last (17). The lack of directness in the final third has significantly lessened their attacking threat, with tiredness playing a key role in this. It is much easier to put the ball to the wing if the opposition has shut up shop than for a player to force their way through towards goal, especially when fatigued. 

It’s here where Suarez would have played a key role in breaking through the defensive ranks and created a goalscoring opportunity. However, while Liverpool lost their star player, the same cannot be said of Everton, who strengthened accordingly. Romelu Lukaku and Gareth Barry both played big roles in their Europa League qualification and, as a result, the duo signed on at Goodison Park permanently following successful loan stints. 

The Toffees, however, have disappointed so far, winning only 3 of their opening 9 league games. Everton have taken only 3 points of a possible 9 following Europa League games this season with the team struggling to adjust to the demands that come with the Thursday-Sunday combination. With astute additions made to the squad, the dip in form is cause for concern for supporters, but it is much the same problem as Liverpool. Everton are averaging fewer shots per league game this season (13) than last term (14.8), with the team again tiring quicker now than they did in 2013/14. 

A contributing factor to Liverpool and Everton’s sub-par beginning to the season, of course, could be Rodgers' and Roberto Martínez’s inexperience when it comes to managing in the European competition their teams are competiting in. This is the first big test of both managers respective careers and it’s this lack of experience when balancing both European and domestic duties that could have hindered the two Merseyside teams. The same, though, cannot be said of Roma and Gladbach. After the latest round of fixtures, the pairing sit 2nd in their respective leagues heading into the weekend. 

The advantage Roma and Gladbach have over Liverpool and Everton is that respective managers Rudi García and Lucien Favre have more experience in management than Rodgers and Martínez. They can manage expectations and understand that balancing both competitions is a requirement if they are to succeed in Europe and in the league. Roma are currently averaging more points per game this term (2.4) than last (2.2) and sit 2nd in their Champions League group, though Garcia’s side were exposed in the recent 7-1 thumping by Bayern Munich. 

Gladbach are in a similar position, taking more points in the Bundesliga per game this season (1.9) than last (1.6) and, like Roma in the Champions League, sit 2nd in their Europa League group. While Serie A and the Bundesliga have been deemed "easier leagues" in the past, the fact is both García and Favre are fairing better than Rodgers and Martínez.

Striking the right balance between league and European competition is pivotal if any team is to enjoy a successful season. García and Favre's experience means their respective teams are excelling, while Rodgers and Martínez are underwhelming in comparison.

Do you think Liverpool and Everton can balance European and domestic duties this season? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below