That does change the picture somewhat I agree.

The end of the day, the issue comes down to fending off any prospect of the big clubs breaking away, something I don't think is on the horizon any time soon anyway.

The powers that be don't want a situation like this season happening again. There is a tremendous amount of interest surrounding three of the biggest managers being at three of the biggest clubs in Klopp at Liverpool, Conte at Chelsea and Mourinho at Man Utd yet none of them in the Champions League.

Well yes they want whatever guarantees the highest ratings and brings in the highest amount of corporate sponsorship however there is also a sporting element to this.

Nothing will guarantee the 3 teams mentioned above will get in the CL next season. Someone one way or the other will always miss out. Thats just sport.

The problem UEFA have is once concessions are made once there is nothing to stop the clubs once again demanding change.

Who's to say the next request won't be just have CL participation for the major leagues and screw everyone else.

just flicked over the spanish super cup is on live? Arent they an hour ahead meaning at half time its quarter to midnight? They will finish at quarter to one in the morning assuming it doesnt go to extra time and penalties? I know its warm over there in the day but to be playnig that late seems strange.

Allegri is going to have to be as fierce as Sarri to get the best out of Higuian. He is seriously overweight right now.
He had his best season last year after Sarri pushed him hard to lose weight. I look forward to seeing if it's possible again.

Yeah the pictures that I saw of him recently were not quite the pictures you would imagine a £79 million player would look like!

Suarez beginning the new season in much the same way that he ended the last. if there has been a better player anywhere in the world this year, I have not seen him.

The desire to score goals is ridiculous. He lives to put the ball in the net. As for Higuain I don't understand how a player can out on so much for weight. He went to copa America so had a shorter break but still put on so much timber

Higuain is already off the mark for Juventus, netting in the 2-1 win v Fiorentina last night.

Just read that Carlos Bacca has 21 goals from 40 shots on target in a Milan shirt.

That's ridiculously impressive.

He's clinical. First Milan player to score a hatrick since 2012.

Goals flying in all over the place in Serie A. 32 goals in the 10 opening games.

Am I actually reading the yellow strap across the bottom on Sky Sports News correctly??

Henry is Martinez's assistant coach with Belgium, which seems a bit of an odd pairing.

It's the perfect pairing to remedy a questionable defensive setup.

It will take a bit of getting used to, as on a personal level, I don't really think Belgium when Henry's name is mentioned!

Europa League draw is on!!

The most important draw of the week!

This presenter is very camp!!

Still not sure whether it's fair for 3rd placed UCL teams to go in the Europa League. Worked nicely for Sevilla.

United fans have to risk Turkey again!

Yeah not really the best place for the fans.

Yeah, ISIS bombers active these days as well.

This presenter guy loves his innuendos.

Ajax group G is tasty!!

Yeah the Celta and Ajax matches I think will be good ones to watch.

The two Inter v Southampton matches should be pretty good!

True! I think United should expect to win the tournament this season. The quality isn't great and even the likely 3rd placed UCL teams are unlikely to be worrisome. Mourinho will go for it because he's like that.