Europa League; Third Qualifying Round Draw!

[Uncle Spike]

Little point moaning, but it IS something of a come-down to have to be qualifying for the Europa League!!!

According to the BBC, we have got the winners of the current Rabotnicki (Macedonia) versus Mika (Armenia) tie in the second round. Never heard of either of them!

I should imagine the club would be wanting the Macedonians to win to reduce the travelling... but perhaps the keen travellers will want the more exotic country!

We are at home in the first leg on the 29th July, only 12 days off, and suddenly the new season is right in our face! The away tie is the following week on the 5th August.

Last time we were in a European Qualifying tie with a brand new manager, we went on to win the whole competition! Let's hope History repeats itself!

[Ruddy]

Well said Spike. I'd also add that 2001 was a very good year, highlighted by that fantastic Alaves final.

Given the current state of the state, maybe it's not a bad thing to have the CL pressure off this year with all the knives out sharpened for early signs of Uncle Roy's unfitness as a manager. Reduced competition may give the new team a little more breathing space.

At this point, I have to add that I'm well aware any and all such considerations of the team's health pale in comparison to the primary problem of ownership.

[phil may]

Originally Posted by Ruddy

Well said Spike. I'd also add that 2001 was a very good year, highlighted by that fantastic Alaves final.

Given the current state of the state, maybe it's not a bad thing to have the CL pressure off this year with all the knives out sharpened for early signs of Uncle Roy's unfitness as a manager. Reduced competition may give the new team a little more breathing space.

At this point, I have to add that I'm well aware any and all such considerations of the team's health pale in comparison to the primary problem of ownership.

Most positive response from you lad in some time.I agree.
Wouldn't it be bliss if we turned these torrid times to some good.
Maybe you should stay with your RedSox.
F the owners,i think Roy will come good and bring the players together.
Its up to the players now.
Should i Stay or Should mi Go.

[Scouse Paul]

Originally Posted by Uncle Spike

According to the BBC, we have got the winners of the current Rabotnicki (Macedonia) versus Mika (Armenia) tie in the second round. Never heard of either of them!

I should imagine the club would be wanting the Macedonians to win to reduce the travelling... but perhaps the keen travellers will want the more exotic country!

Last time we were in a European Qualifying tie with a brand new manager, we went on to win the whole competition! Let's hope History repeats itself!

I was talking to a Spurs fan the other day who was trying to rub it in about being in the CL. My response was that not only was familiarity breeding contempt in terms of playing the same old teams in the admittedly often wonderful same surroundings, but the thought of visiting places you've never heard of is genuinely appealing.

And as Spike & Ruddy say, perhaps given where we are as a club & team at the minute this offers us a real opportunity to progress without the pressure & spotlight of the Champions League. The downside of course is Thursday night football (and all those witty, original chants from opposition fans about Channel 5 ) and the subsequent Sunday games on top of the Sky changes that make Saturdays almost completely devoid of fixtures.

[ConnieLFC]

Originally Posted by Uncle Spike

According to the BBC, we have got the winners of the current Rabotnicki (Macedonia) versus Mika (Armenia) tie in the second round.

We'll find out who our opponents next Friday will be later today - the 2nd leg of this 2nd round qualifier takes place this afternoon.

[Red All Over]

Sounds like it is time to have "a laugh"

[Big Dave]

Macedonia it is! Did you know that the locals pronounce the name with a hard 'c' sound, like Makedonia?

[ConnieLFC]

Originally Posted by Big Dave

Macedonia it is! Did you know that the locals pronounce the name with a hard 'c' sound, like Makedonia?

I did not know that! See, good to know being on here isn't a complete waste of time!

The other Macedonian team (Teteks) went through as well ... I'm very sure I read that our fixtures would be switched (i.e., we now play away next Thursday, then at Anfield on Aug. 5) if that was the case?

[Scouse Paul]

Originally Posted by ConnieLFC

I did not know that! See, good to know being on here isn't a complete waste of time!

The other Macedonian team (Teteks) went through as well ... I'm very sure I read that our fixtures would be switched (i.e., we now play away next Thursday, then at Anfield on Aug. 5) if that was the case?

Correct I think Connie. Not much chance of getting time off for next week

[trickdick]

Are these early kick offs again?
I'm looking forward to a more exotic away trip again. It reminded me of the chaos we had going to Kiev in 2001,Champions league I think. Just to get the game it was Liverpool-> Manchester-> Paris -> Berlin -> Kiev. Missed the first half. Back the hotel the local police chief doubled as a pimp.