Arsene Wenger's once ridiculed view now accurately reflects the harsh reality of modern football, where a Champions League spot is vital.
At that time, many people mocked, but Wenger was right. In 2012, after Arsenal lost to Sunderland in the FA Cup and were led 4-0 by AC Milan in the first leg of the Champions League round of 16, Wenger clearly defined his goals for the rest of the season. He affirmed: "The first title is to finish in the top 4".
This view was once considered lacking ambition and considered the cause of Arsenal's title drought. However, the reality is not entirely so. The cost of building the Emirates Stadium makes the team unable to spend equally with Manchester United, Manchester City or Chelsea. Wenger simply reflects the financial context correctly.
To be able to compete long-term, Arsenal is forced to ensure large revenue from the Champions League by finishing in the top 4 of the Premier League. Although not bringing home titles, the top 4 position has great strategic value. It opens up more opportunities to compete for the Premier League or Champions League title than the FA Cup or League Cup. Therefore, in many cases, the top 4 are even considered as a separate title.
In fact, the top 4 race of the Premier League is always one of the three most attractive axes of each season, besides the championship race and the relegation battle.
Even if the Premier League currently has a fifth place in the Champions League, this value remains unchanged. Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester United or Aston Villa are all assessed based on whether they win tickets to the Champions League or not.
Clear financial impact
Take Liverpool as an example. After the 2021-2022 season almost winning the quadruple, they declined and only ranked fifth the following season. Revenue from Europe plummeted, from more than 100 million Euros to 27 million Euros in the 2023-2024 season.
This decline directly affects transfer activities. Liverpool almost did not spend much in the summer of 2024, in contrast to the previous period when they heavily invested in the force.
However, this financial impact usually comes one season later. And in the current context - the Premier League has too large revenue - absence from the Champions League is no longer a "deadly blow" as before.
Potential benefits of not participating in the Champions League
A noteworthy point of view is that not participating in the Champions League sometimes helps improve performance in the domestic league.
Studies show that each additional match in European cups can cause a team to lose points in the Premier League due to the impact of a dense schedule, fitness and tactics.
That explains why some teams like Chelsea or Liverpool have broken through strongly when they do not have to strain themselves in many arenas.
Conclusion
Of course, no one wants to miss the Champions League. The ultimate goal is still the title.
But in the context of modern football, when the Premier League is increasingly rich and fiercely competitive, not participating in the Champions League is no longer an absolute disaster. It may even open up opportunities for reconstruction and breakthrough.
