Playoffs to be reviewed
By: Mike | April 4th, 2008Many writers, supporters and even players cast sideways glances at the Eredivisie. Everyone is aware that the Netherlands is a wonderful factory of young talent but beyond that noone takes it seriously. In order for a player in the Eredivisie to win the European Golden Boot he would have to score 150% of the goals a competitor from Spain, Italy, Germany or England would need. Thats because of the coefficient used to “equalise” goals scored in competitions across Europe. But that’s a whole other post.
Another reason for smirks and eye-rolling is the Dutch system of play offs. While the bottom team is automatically relegated the next two bottom clubs enter into a play off with teams being promoted and they fight it out. Another play off is held for the second Champions League spot. The champion is automatically in but the next FOUR teams all have a chance. Good news though, the system is being reviewed!
There could be a hint of an inferiority complex but surely those leagues who dominate Europe would have the best systems wouldn’t they? All the hype around England having 4 teams in the Champions League quarter finals would have been snuffed out had Tottenham and Everton obtained one off results against Liverpool and Arsenal in a similar system last year and been granted access to the Europe’s premier competition. Surely a team’s form over the full course of a season should be merit enough to gain entry to Europe. The Eredivisie cheapens itself by allowing a season’s worth of results to be swept aside by another club’s spirited display over two legs.
Going to the Arsenal game? Find out how to get to North London and where to stay near Emirates Stadium.
Category: Netherlands Eredivisie News
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Comments
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I think you’re spot on with this, and it’s good it’s being reviewed. Playoffs for promotion/relegation are one thing, but for European places, it makes no sense to me. The strongest and deepest teams are the ones that do the best over a long season, not over a short tournament like a playoff. Cup winners get a UEFA Cup spot – that’s enough. Champions League spots should go to the top teams in the league … though four each for the top leagues is ridiculous.
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I think the European places should be guarenteed to to those who finish top of the table. Playoffs for relegation places has been common place in football for some time, but in order to take the Dutch league serious the Euro spots should be guarenteed to the top teams of the league that year.
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