Premier League fans are always proud to state that the Premier League is the best league in the world? Is it really the case?
With only Manchester City still in the Champions League at the moment, this is not really a proof that the league is the most competitive one. So why do Premier League clubs fail to make it to the big stage?
Ever since 2009, there have not been more than 2 English representatives in the later stage of the Champions League. Gradually it has become worst with English clubs failing to make it to the semi-finals.
One reason that has been put forward is the absence of winter break in England. Indeed, Premier League sides do not benefit from a break and keep on playing during the Christmas and New Year period. This result in players that is more tired than their competitors.
Some pundits have also stated that the strength of the Premier League plays against them in European condition. Indeed, with the teams being competitive from the top of the table to the bottom, it is difficult for the top sides to rest key players before European competition. As a result, they play in Europe with tired players against sides that can afford to rest their key players.
Opponents of the Premier League have simply argued that the league is not competitive anymore. The best players do not play there but instead in Spain or Germany. Indeed, this might be true when you see that the two best players Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi plays in the Spanish League. They are joined with players such as Neymar, Benzema, and Luis Suarez.
If the Premier League wants to retain its crown as the best league in the world, changes will be needed and quickly.