Champions League - Brugge

[Meanwood Villa]

I think it's telling that virtually no one does that. The impression I get is that most players like playing for their countries, particularly in tournaments. Granted, players from lesser nations like Scotland won't get the chance very often but those three games mean the world when they do roll around.

[LeeB]

I think it's telling that virtually no one does that. The impression I get is that most players like playing for their countries, particularly in tournaments. Granted, players from lesser nations like Scotland won't get the chance very often but those three games mean the world when they do roll around.

It will come, the cricket is already well down the path.

[Brend'Watkins]

Feigning injury before an International break is the way forward if you want your club to be successful.

[cdbearsfan]

The number of games is not too high. They're fitter and better trained and have better diets than ever before. They also get rotated in cup games more than ever before and there are more subs than ever before, too. They also play fewer domestic cup games than ever before because replays have been abolished (as has extra time in the League Cup before the semis).

We should not forcibly relegate a load of teams because Champions League teams consider league games an inconvenience. In any case, if the top European leagues all reduced in number, UEFA would immediately increase the number of European games to plug the gap.

You forgot to mention how much better are the pitches these days.

Yep. As someone once said "I got 99 problems but the pitch ain't one". Think it was Cliff Richard.

[LeeB]

I'm not so sure with regards to the pitches now, they look great but they're rock hard compared to a normal pitch, I wonder how much impact they have on players long term.

[Dante Lavelli]

Not sure where this sits, but the championship feels bloated with all the midweek matches. The quality of that league would surely improve with fewer teams.

[Sexual Ealing]

Yep, no promotion from League One for a few years should sort it.

[cdbearsfan]

Looking at the table, we need to stop promotion from the Championship, too.

[jwarry]

Yep, no promotion from League One for a few years should sort it.

Lol

[olaftab]

Not sure where this sits, but the championship feels bloated with all the midweek matches. The quality of that league would surely improve with fewer teams.

This belongs in Other football or Other games. Can't believe you have soiled this thread with absolute awful second division issues.

[Pat McMahon]

An added factor for me in wishing to avoid Atalanta is the potential for snide behavior of Italian supporters over there

[Bent Neilsens Screamer]

Brugge and Dortmund both lost 2-0 and Atalanta drew 0-0.

[Paul.S]

Does anybody know if they’ll announce what day we play the away leg on Friday?
Not much time between the draw and first leg to make travel arrangements.

[OCD]

Brugge and Dortmund both lost 2-0 and Atalanta drew 0-0.

Not just us that struggle after CL games then.

[Somniloquism]

Does anybody know if they’ll announce what day we play the away leg on Friday?
Not much time between the draw and first leg to make travel arrangements.

Won't be in the draw. Might be Friday evening or Saturday before the announcements due to checking with local security etc and seeing what everyone wants. I will be surprised if we are not away on Tuesday but that will depend on the opponents choices.