Quote:
Originally Posted by troutman
That is saying something. Is the system broken if the richest franchises can build teams better than the best national teams?
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It depends how you define broken I guess. The way I see it there are about 5 or 6 competitions happening at once during the course of the league (using the EPL as an example).
At the bottom there are generally about 5 or 6 teams that are facing the distinct possibility of relegation. Their season goal is not to be sent down - if they stay up they win. Most of these teams realize this and staying up is a huge victory. For reference, the bottom three teams are relegated to the lower division (much less money and prestige).
At the top end, there are usually about 3-4 teams that have a shot at winning the league title with usually two heavy favorites at the start of the year. There is also a sub-competition there where the top three qualify instantly for the $$$$$$$$$ (aka Champions League group stages). Those teams that were in the running for the League (but failed) now face another mini competition - holding off those under them to stay in the top four. The fourth place finisher must then play a qualifier to enter the group stage of the Champions League.
There is also the competition for the mid table teams to hit the lesser European competition - Europa. For the EPL, there is also a spot for the FA Cup and Carling Cup winner as well a potential "fair play" spot. If the Champions League qualifiers (4) win either or both domestic cups, then the 6th and/or 7th place team qualifies for Europe.
Europe = money.
Champions league >>> Europa
So to summarize...
- Bottom teams compete to stay in the top division. Staying up will trigger great celebrations!
- Lower middle teams compete to get 5-7 places but also to stay out of the relegation danger zone - many are stuck in limbo between relegation and Europe.
- Upper middle teams compete for Europa and CL spots
- Top teams compete for League title and top 4 (especially top 3) - anything else is a failure or monumental proportions
Because of all of this the top teams continue to get money and exposure through European competition - the rich get richer. The mercenary egotistical nature of the players also adds to the problem. "I am great. I deserve to be playing Champions League football. Here is my transfer request" and the big boys come calling with fistfulls of cash. Obviously these players are top internationals and they tend to migrate to the top teams. So when you can pluck the top players from "lesser" nations the end result is more skill than 9-15 (for example) on the depth chart of a football powerhouse.
I know there are probably some mistakes in there (tired and don't feel like editing) and some people may have a different take but that is how I see it. Whether it is broken or not is in the eye of the beholder.
Although there may be some significant changes with the Financial Fair Play rules that are coming for the EPL...
http://www.premierleague.com/page/Headlines/0,,12306~1797644,00.html