The revamped UEFA Champions League structure has sparked debate, with Liverpool’s leadership raising concerns about its fairness and effectiveness.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot recently voiced his skepticism about the expanded 36-team format, which could prompt tournament organizers to reconsider its structure in the future.
Under the new system, all participating teams are placed into a single league table, playing eight matches each. The top 24 teams advance, with the highest eight securing direct qualification to the Round of 16. Teams finishing between ninth and 24th must navigate a two-legged playoff to reach the knockout stage.
Currently leading the Premier League, Liverpool also sits atop the Champions League standings. Regardless of the outcome of their final group-stage match against PSV, they are guaranteed a place in the Round of 16. As a result, 12 of their first-team players will not travel to the Netherlands for the fixture.
Arne Slot Criticizes the New System
Slot expressed his reservations about the format, suggesting that finishing at the top of the table offers no real advantage.
“It took me some time to fully grasp the new format, but now I’m 100% certain it doesn’t matter whether you finish first or second,” Slot explained.
“We are guaranteed to face a team ranked 15th, 16th, 17th, or 18th, and after that, it all depends on the draw.”
He further emphasized that even if Liverpool dropped to third place, it would have little impact on their progression. Despite this, he remains committed to fielding a competitive team for the PSV encounter.
“A wise man once told me that nothing good ever comes from losing a match,” Slot added.
“My squad selection is based on long-term planning. The fringe players don’t need to prove their quality—we already know what they bring. However, with the number of games ahead, we must manage freshness and keep players in peak condition.”
With growing concerns from top clubs like Liverpool, UEFA may face increasing pressure to reassess whether the expanded format truly enhances the competition—or simply complicates it.
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