English clubs dominate in European competitions due to the vast financial resources available from the Premier League, which allows them to attract top talent and build strong squads. This financial advantage often leads to better performance against teams from less wealthy leagues.
Paul Scholes considers the Barcelona midfield of Xavi, Iniesta, and Busquets as one of the best ever because of their exceptional control of the game, precise passing, and ability to dictate play. They always knew where everyone was on the pitch and made opponents feel helpless.
Scholes believes the era of the 90s and early 2000s had stronger European teams due to the presence of multiple dominant clubs like Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Juventus, which fielded star-studded lineups. He feels that the level of competition was higher, and the teams were more formidable.
Some English fans and clubs see the Europa League as a second-rate competition because of the perceived lack of prestige compared to the Champions League. They often prioritize domestic league performances and view the Europa League as a distraction, especially due to the Thursday-Sunday fixture congestion.
Paul Scholes names Messi, Xavi, Iniesta, Zidane, and Ronaldo as the best players he faced in the Champions League because of their exceptional skills, game control, and impact on matches. These players were not only technically brilliant but also had a profound influence on the teams they played for.
Gareth thinks Liverpool has a better chance of winning the Champions League than the Premier League this season because of the intense competition in the Premier League, particularly from Manchester City. In Europe, Liverpool has a strong European pedigree and a history of performing well in the Champions League.
Paul Scholes thinks the level of football has dropped slightly in recent years due to overexposure through social media and the lack of mystery around foreign players. Previously, players from different countries were exotic and exciting, but now their every move is known, reducing the awe and admiration.
Stephen thinks Pep Guardiola might stay at Man City for another season because of the ongoing challenges and the presence of strong opponents like Arteta's Arsenal. Guardiola is motivated by the challenge and the pursuit of success, and the competition keeps him engaged.
Rory thinks Aston Villa has an outside chance of going far in the Champions League because of their strong performances so far, the tactical acumen of Unai Emery, and the quality of their squad. He believes they can compete with top teams, especially if they avoid English sides in the knockout stages.
Paul Scholes thinks the Champions League is more challenging for Arsenal compared to the Premier League because Arsenal has historically struggled in Europe, often falling short despite strong domestic performances. He believes Arsenal needs to build more belief and experience to succeed in the Champions League.
Welcome back to The Overlap’s Fan Debate, brought to you by Sky Bet. Jamie Carragher is joined by Paul Scholes alongside some of the biggest fan channels across England.
This week, with the return of the Champions, Europa and Conference Leagues, it's a European Fan Debate special!
Are English clubs arrogant in Europe? Can an English club win the Champions League this season? Will this be Pep Guardiola’s last season at Man City? Plus, Paul names the 5 best players he faced in the Champions League - and Rory Jennings takes on the inaugural quiz Time Added On.
If you’re enjoying the podcast, please hit subscribe to never miss an episode, and please leave us a five-star review to help others find the show. Thank you for listening!
Chapters
00:00 Promo
00:40 Intro
01:32 Rory Jennings Chelsea quiz
05:16 Should Chelsea win the Europa Conference League?
08:00 Are English clubs arrogant in Europe?
17:49 Can Liverpool win the Champions League?
22:22 Aston Villa’s Champions League start
27:02 Would Arsenal want to win the Premier League or Champions League more? 31:25 Is it Pep Guardiola’s last season?
37:00 Five best players Paul Scholes played against in the Champions League? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy) for more information.