Europa League: Waste Of Time Or An Important Competition?

A major reason for the English contempt of the Europa League is the perceived quantum leap between it and the Champions League. But upon closer examination, it is clear that this is not as large as some would have you believe. Many of the teams in this seasons Europa League could easily do well in the Champions League: Inter Milan, Atletico Madrid, Lazio, Marseille and the list goes on. There are also several Champions League sides that one would expect to find in the Europa League like Cluj, BATE and Nordsjaelland. Further evidence lies in this season's European Super Cup, the annual competition between the winners of both European competitions, the Europa League winners Atletico demolished Champions League winners Chelsea 4-1. One man in England who appreciates the value of the Europa League is Andre Villas Boas. His victory with Porto in 2011 is the jewel in the crown of his CV and persuaded Roman Abramovich to hire him at vast expense soon afterwards. Now at Tottenham, AVB still sees the merit of the competition that made his name, and is bemused by the English attitude towards it "I respect the competition. I certainly think it is viewed as a punishment in England and I cannot understand why. It is a traditional trophy." The Portugese has put his money where his mouth his and so far fielded extremely strong squads. This could hardly have been more of a departure from Harry Redknapp, who labelled the Europa League "a killer" to Spurs' Premier League hopes if he played anything more than a reserve side. So it seems that our disrespect of the Europa League is as alien to other Europeans as driving on the right (in both senses of the word), and until we change our attitudes, even our biggest clubs will be doomed for Europa League ignominy. We would love to hear your opinions on this controversial topic. Do you want your club to take the Europa League seriously, or are you happy for it to be used to blood youngsters?