FRIDAY NIGHT SAW the SSE Airtricity League return after the mid-season break and there are also Irish clubs in European action this week.
I’ve mentioned it before but we have to take European football seriously again as some of the teams have had a bit of a holiday over the last couple of years with regards to the application.
It has been a burden on clubs due to the cost of flying abroad, players looking to be reimbursed because they have to take days off work and all this kind of nonsense. Give me a break, will you!
This is the highest standard of football that most of these players will ever play. If you go out in the first round that’s it, and these opportunities don’t come around that often.
I don’t think the focus has been there and it certainly wasn’t last season. A lot of clubs seem much more concerned about domestic football hence none of Sligo Rovers, St Patrick’s Athletic, Drogheda United or Derry City got past the first fence.
It was the first time in a long time that none of the teams won their first ties and that needs to be addressed.
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Last season’s Premier Division title winners St Pat’s are playing in the Champions League and have a difficult draw in Polish champions Legia Warsaw.
In saying that, I don’t buy into having a defeatist attitude before the games are even played. There are a lot of factors involved but the Saints are well capable of getting through over the two legs.
They’re a very good footballing side and are at home in the second leg. They will have done their homework on their opponents but there is nothing to be afraid of whatsoever. Even if they suffer defeat in the away leg, they should stay positive as it’s only half-time.
I’ve heard it mentioned that the brand of football that Pat’s or Sligo play suits European football better, but it’s a load of rubbish to be honest. Any of the European teams I came up against played good football alright but my God did they move the ball quick.
The big difference is that they rarely made mistakes and often played direct football which is just more accurate. You’re at a level that errors will be punished.
It’s the Champions League — a competition which most players dream about playing in and it’s a fantastic platform for Pat’s to showcase their talents. They’re playing against the best team in Poland in a stadium that holds 30,000 people and it’s a great occasion. The same can be said about the teams in the Europa League to a slightly lesser extent too.
The players will have a particular job to do in both legs and how they structure their shape and defend is just as important as what they do when they have the ball.
Huge concentration levels will be required because you’re playing against better quality players regardless of whether they’re Lithuanian or Luxembourg.
Then it’s all about taking your opportunities, that’s what the European teams do. I’ve played against many who would keep the ball well, probe, recycle the ball but didn’t tend to create that much. But when the opportunities came around they would be clinical in front of goal. Pat’s have to do the same.
Stuey facing Hajduk Split for Shels ten years ago. INPHO
INPHO
Congratulations to Dundalk were playing the first leg of their Europa League first round qualifier against Jeunesse Esch of Luxembourg and won 2-0 thanks to goals from Richie Towell. If they get through, they will get to play Hajduk Split and that is a great incentive.
Coincidentally, it’s 10 years since we beat them with Shelbourne and there will no doubt be plenty of people reminiscing.
Finally, on a separate note, the return of John O’Flynn is a serious signing for Cork City. At 31, I still think he has got plenty of years in him if he has kept himself fit. I’d have him as one of the top three strikers that I would have played against in my time.
He’s an excellent player — great finisher, super movement, good touch, really positive attitude and just gets on with it. So it’s a cracking move and another boost for Cork as the supporters will love him coming back. Going to Turner’s Cross has been difficult this season but it could be even tougher now.
Stuart Byrne column: Attitudes must improve if Irish clubs are to compete in Europe
FRIDAY NIGHT SAW the SSE Airtricity League return after the mid-season break and there are also Irish clubs in European action this week.
I’ve mentioned it before but we have to take European football seriously again as some of the teams have had a bit of a holiday over the last couple of years with regards to the application.
It has been a burden on clubs due to the cost of flying abroad, players looking to be reimbursed because they have to take days off work and all this kind of nonsense. Give me a break, will you!
This is the highest standard of football that most of these players will ever play. If you go out in the first round that’s it, and these opportunities don’t come around that often.
I don’t think the focus has been there and it certainly wasn’t last season. A lot of clubs seem much more concerned about domestic football hence none of Sligo Rovers, St Patrick’s Athletic, Drogheda United or Derry City got past the first fence.
It was the first time in a long time that none of the teams won their first ties and that needs to be addressed.
Last season’s Premier Division title winners St Pat’s are playing in the Champions League and have a difficult draw in Polish champions Legia Warsaw.
In saying that, I don’t buy into having a defeatist attitude before the games are even played. There are a lot of factors involved but the Saints are well capable of getting through over the two legs.
I’ve heard it mentioned that the brand of football that Pat’s or Sligo play suits European football better, but it’s a load of rubbish to be honest. Any of the European teams I came up against played good football alright but my God did they move the ball quick.
The big difference is that they rarely made mistakes and often played direct football which is just more accurate. You’re at a level that errors will be punished.
It’s the Champions League — a competition which most players dream about playing in and it’s a fantastic platform for Pat’s to showcase their talents. They’re playing against the best team in Poland in a stadium that holds 30,000 people and it’s a great occasion. The same can be said about the teams in the Europa League to a slightly lesser extent too.
The players will have a particular job to do in both legs and how they structure their shape and defend is just as important as what they do when they have the ball.
Huge concentration levels will be required because you’re playing against better quality players regardless of whether they’re Lithuanian or Luxembourg.
Then it’s all about taking your opportunities, that’s what the European teams do. I’ve played against many who would keep the ball well, probe, recycle the ball but didn’t tend to create that much. But when the opportunities came around they would be clinical in front of goal. Pat’s have to do the same.
Congratulations to Dundalk were playing the first leg of their Europa League first round qualifier against Jeunesse Esch of Luxembourg and won 2-0 thanks to goals from Richie Towell. If they get through, they will get to play Hajduk Split and that is a great incentive.
Coincidentally, it’s 10 years since we beat them with Shelbourne and there will no doubt be plenty of people reminiscing.
Finally, on a separate note, the return of John O’Flynn is a serious signing for Cork City. At 31, I still think he has got plenty of years in him if he has kept himself fit. I’d have him as one of the top three strikers that I would have played against in my time.
He’s an excellent player — great finisher, super movement, good touch, really positive attitude and just gets on with it. So it’s a cracking move and another boost for Cork as the supporters will love him coming back. Going to Turner’s Cross has been difficult this season but it could be even tougher now.
Cork City welcome home legendary striker O’Flynn
Cork soccer club fined for protest during game against racism
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COMP:Airtricity League UEFA Champions League UEFA Europa League Europe LOI Opinion Stuart Byrne Column