Haven't had to look at a single Europa League game or scope opponents from Dinamo Whereisthat this season, which is a blessing in itself. But on top of that, facing these big name players and coaches and having ambition to get further into the competition rather than it being a perfunctory chore that these stages of the EL are, has really lifted the mood for both players and fans alike. It's also fantastic for our players to carve out true names and reputations for themselves by matching up, and proving their worth, against the highest calibre of opponents.
I never really got the posts on here that were along the lines of if we can't win the competition there's no point being in it - the buzz of these games is still the biggest there is whilst we're not challenging for the title; where every game carries massive pressure and importance in themselves.
Also, make no mistake - these nights, these performances are what will make the highest profile of player want to join the club and be part of such experiences.
With our ability on the counter, and the format of the competition, we're not a team many will want to face; after seeing us destroy Leipzig the moment they lost their heads, there won't be an array of teams willing to try and match us with high lines and intense pressing further up the pitch. The reputation we have carved out over just two games will stand us in great stead further into the competition.
I wonder how many of you can hand on heart say you looked forward to anything other than the semi-final and final stages of the Europa League, contrasted to the curiosity you have now for our every game in the Champions League. I'd also ask, now that there's a taste for this level of football, how many of you won't want us to be a perennial fixture?
Long live our Champions League exploits, and let us hope the Europe League doesn't darken our doorstep again!
I never really got the posts on here that were along the lines of if we can't win the competition there's no point being in it - the buzz of these games is still the biggest there is whilst we're not challenging for the title; where every game carries massive pressure and importance in themselves.
Also, make no mistake - these nights, these performances are what will make the highest profile of player want to join the club and be part of such experiences.
With our ability on the counter, and the format of the competition, we're not a team many will want to face; after seeing us destroy Leipzig the moment they lost their heads, there won't be an array of teams willing to try and match us with high lines and intense pressing further up the pitch. The reputation we have carved out over just two games will stand us in great stead further into the competition.
I wonder how many of you can hand on heart say you looked forward to anything other than the semi-final and final stages of the Europa League, contrasted to the curiosity you have now for our every game in the Champions League. I'd also ask, now that there's a taste for this level of football, how many of you won't want us to be a perennial fixture?
Long live our Champions League exploits, and let us hope the Europe League doesn't darken our doorstep again!