Doing a BBC show tomorrow asking if the new Champions League format has made the competition better or worse? What do you think? (I’m liking it so far. Some unexpected teams in the top 8. At least one “big” club in danger of going out. Some good games). - ThreadSky

johnbennettsport.bsky.social • 105 days ago

Doing a BBC show tomorrow asking if the new Champions League format has made the competition better or worse?

What do you think?

(I’m liking it so far. Some unexpected teams in the top 8. At least one “big” club in danger of going out. Some good games).

Comments

sannyr.com•105 days ago

It’s hard to quite get a handle on. There have been surprises and entertaining games - but do they mean anything when there’s such margin for error? Or… is that a good thing? Are lower stakes giving us better value when watching? Maybe it’s like watching Eastenders vs a challenging gritty drama.

johnbennettsport.bsky.social•105 days ago

Ha! Yeah, tricky to follow I agree but the table is starting to take a bit of shape. Will be interesting how easy/hard the last two rounds are to follow on terms of what everything means.

iaincu.bsky.social•105 days ago

It is clearly much fairer on the teams in the bottom seeding pot. I worry that the final rounds of matches will be damp squibs because it doesn't matter whether you finish 1st or 8th, etc

rcfoster.bsky.social•105 days ago

It’s a bit random that teams play each other just once and also seems a bit bloated as there are so many matches.

phantlers.bsky.social•105 days ago

Why not allow it to complete a full cycle before rushing to judgement?

johnbennettsport.bsky.social•105 days ago

It’s just interesting to get early impressions - not a conclusion. Think we’ll need a few seasons to see the real impact.

bustedflush.bsky.social•105 days ago

Champions only, 2 leg knock out format again please. (Aware I’m living in cuckoo land)

johnbennettsport.bsky.social•105 days ago

Yeah, something to be said for that but as you hint at, money means that ship has sailed sadly. Although, one extra knock out round with this new format.

bustedflush.bsky.social•105 days ago

Spurs aren’t in it so I’ve kind of zoned out on the changes to be honest but Villa mates are loving it

pudsey68.bsky.social•105 days ago

To be honest, the format is only to ensure the rich clubs get richer, so whilst I don't really care for Champions League football, the fact Brest may qualify and PSG not is hilarious. So on that basis, it's a thumbs up from me!

alexelkay21.bsky.social•105 days ago

I don’t think we will truly know until after this season. At the moment, I’m quite enjoying it knowing there won’t be any repeated matches. The knockout stage will be the biggest test.

mickeycaskill.bsky.social•105 days ago

There does feel as though some jeopardy has been eliminated by the fact that three quarters of team progress and I do miss the self-contained narratives of each group (and home and away fixtures).

However quite like the almost 'test match' nature of when big teams meet each other.

johnbennettsport.bsky.social•105 days ago

Self contained narratives is a really great way of putting it - that’s an issue I have with it. I miss the teams playing each other home and away and the ability to respond to a defeat.

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