Brentford and Bournemouth have both enjoyed stellar performances in the Premier League since joining and could well deserve a backdoor entry into the Champions League.
Andoni Iraola is challenging the status quo (Image: Steve Bardens, Getty Images)
The path to obtaining a European qualification is a bit more complicated. But the very simple thing is how great it would be to see another club like Brentford or Bournemouth in the Champions League.
And it can happen. It’s easier than you think. It’s a huge breath of fresh air and a huge reward for what these clubs have done and are doing and they deserve it.
Let’s be honest. Few gave Brentford much of a chance when Keith Andrews took over from Thomas Frank, but the likes of Brian Mbeumo, Yoan Wissa, Christian Norgaard and Mark Frecken also made big sales.
But they got even stronger. Andrews was just an incredible player. Brentford are difficult to win, the atmosphere in the stadium is intense and it keeps the fans away. This is an ad that shows how a Premier League club is run.
Andrews not only deserves a medal; He deserves European football. They will do great in the Europa League and Champions League. Why not dream? They brought in Igor Thiago, replaced him well and strengthened him. That’s a great story.
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The same goes for Bournemouth. Andoni Iraola is preparing for the summer, but his latest miracle is still a long way off. Selling huge talent like Antoine Semenyo, making around £200m, then reinvesting and getting back into action.
Their recruitment is something else. It’s great to see. They are a great team to watch, play good football and are run by smart people. And they are always so welcoming and friendly. These are top class, great ads.
Both are fighting for 6th place. And what does it mean? Now, if Aston Villa finish fifth and win the Europa League (which is likely), they will qualify for the Champions League if they finish sixth.
Thanks to the UEFA coefficient, which is based on the team’s performance this season, the Premier League already has five Champions League qualifications.
Keith Andrews working miracles (Image: Getty Images)
The strange thing is that if Villa finish in the top four and win the Europa League, the extra Champions League qualification will not be carried over. However, if they finish fifth then that will be the case and they will have six spots in the Premier League, as they have this season.
Chelsea have come out of the boil but will be there or so. Perhaps players will learn the proverbial method of switching off if they miss out on the Champions League.
However, there are many attractive places in Europe. Crystal Palace will move up to the Europa League if they win the Europa Conference League. Chelsea could go it alone if they win the FA Cup, just like Palace did last season.
But it’s great to see a new team, new faces, new club paying off. That would be good for the league and for English football.
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