To him, a big club should not view the Europa League as a kind of insurance policy in terms of Champions League qualification. “I was always against it [the Europa League winners qualifying for the Champions League] because, at some stage, it can influence the championship. That’s why, when we voted in Geneva [for the route into the Champions League], I was always against it.”Wenger’s numbers do not bear scrutiny. Since the format of the Europa League – then the Uefa Cup – was changed in 1999-2000, only seven clubs have lifted the trophy after dropping down from the Champions League. Arsenal almost won it in that first season, after entering through the Champions League, only to lose the final to Galatasaray on penalties.

Source: The Guardian August 04, 2017 21:22 UTC