6 months ago
128 Liverpool will be in Pot 1 of the UEFA Champions League draw instead of Arsenal – even if the Gunners win the Premier League title this season.
Previously, the winners of Europe’s top domestic divisions have automatically received a place in Pot 1 – the highest seeding of the UEFA Champions League – ensuring they are more likely to be drawn against the so-called lesser sides.
So, why will Liverpool be in Pot 1 even if Arsenal beat Manchester City to the Premier League title? Let’s take a look…
Why Liverpool will be in Pot 1 – not Arsenal
You may have heard that UEFA are revamping the Champions League next season, with 36 teams involved rather than the usual 32.
There will be no more Group Stage – with UEFA now choosing to adopt a single league table where all 36 teams will compete in eight fixtures against eight different opponents, four home, four away.
All 36 clubs involved will initially be sorted into four pots to decide the eight opponents.
Each team will then play two opponents from each pot, with one match at home and one away.
As a result of this change, seeding will be decided on UEFA coefficients and how many points a club has in those charts.
Arsenal only have 72 points due to a lack of success in Europe historically, putting the Gunners 22nd in the list, while Liverpool rank fifth having accumulated 114 points in total.
Therefore – even though Liverpool are set to finish third in the Premier League – this will place the Reds in Pot 1 ahead of Arsenal, regardless of what happens in the title race.
Mikel Arteta can use this to his advantage
In our view, Mikel Arteta can use this situation to his advantage.
Arsenal have a rich history in domestic football, with 14 FA Cups to their name and 13 league titles, although the Gunners have hardly left a footnote in Europe over the years.
That lack of success will now see Arsenal fail to make Pot 1 – even if they do the unthinkable and snatch Manchester City’s title from them – so Arteta can use this slight setback as motivation to push his players into becoming more determined to thrive in European football.
The Spaniard is certainly no stranger to using motivational tools, after an interesting banner was recently spotted in the away dressing room after the 3-2 win over Tottenham.
