I think it is mainly social media that makes every league bar PL and Primera division a farmers league these days. Football became more and more professional last 20 years and more and more (unfair) advantage in money gaps (sheiks, quatar, CL...
Inter also came to my mind. They were chanceless in the group stage against bayern home and away and then made their way to the final in some italian encounters iirc. Despite their dominance in the league, they looked very average in europe
Quarterfinals are the best time in CL.
R16 too many mid teams.
Semi is only two games of football (one per evening) which leaves for less overall newsflashes
finals are often rather dull.
It could be working, especially if half the players don't like him. They don't need to play bad to get him sacked now (if that is a thing)
I think it sounds like a good solution for now